Few things are more pleasant during the summer than a day spent on the water aboard a boat.

Many Americans feel the same.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association says that 100 million Americans go boating annually.

Whether enjoying the water at a cottage, on a fishing trip, or for another reason, you might have a love affair with large bodies of water.

But a day of fun on the water can quickly become a nightmare if you’re not careful.

According to the Marine Retailers Association, there were 3,844 boating accidents last year in the U.S.

They resulted in 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries, and $63 million worth of property damage.

Unfortunately, accidents happen on the water.

But most of them could be prevented, so you avoid a scenario where you must phone a boating accident attorney to file a claim for injuries.

Keep reading to see four primary causes of boating accidents and how you can avoid them.

4 Main Causes of Boating Accidents:

1. Operator Error

A primary cause of accidents on the water is operator error.

Though that should come as no surprise, it’s an easy error to avoid.

Ensure you know how to operate any boat you’re commanding.

You must know how to use it safely or leave the job to someone else.

Some people underestimate the skill it takes to operate a boat, thinking that it’s a piece of cake compared to driving a motor vehicle.

But enough accidents happen annually on lakes and rivers to put that notion to rest.

If you can’t operate a particular boat, don’t. It’s that simple.

2. Drinking and Riding

The United States Coast Guard News reports that in 2023, alcohol remained the leading known contributing factor to boating accidents causing death.

If you drink, don’t operate a boat.

It’s best to not even travel in one as a passenger when intoxicated.

It’s a federal offense to navigate a boat while under the influence.

Offenders are subject to $1,000 fines and criminal penalties up to $5,000.

Jail time isn’t out of the question.

Just like you shouldn’t drink and drive, you shouldn’t drink and pilot a boat.

Adhering to this rule will substantially reduce your risk of getting into boating accidents.

3. Boating Too Fast

Going too fast on the water is another cause of boating accidents.

Navigating a boat too fast is a recipe for disaster on the waterways.

Again, some minimize the skill required to properly and safely operate a boat.

If you travel too fast, your odds of collisions with stationary objects, other boaters, people in the water, and more will increase.

Collisions are the leading cause of death in boating accidents.

So, you can do your part to make the lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water safer by driving at a safe speed.

4. Mechanical Failure

Mechanical failure is another cause of boating accidents.

But this, too, can be largely avoided.

Before taking a boat on the water, you should give it a careful visual inspection.

Anything that’s out of sorts should be rectified before boating.

Otherwise, you’re asking for trouble.

Few things can be as scary as experiencing mechanical failure on the water.

But by maintaining your boat properly and fixing what needs to be fixed, you can reduce the risk of mechanical failure.

What You Should Remember?

These are four primary causes of boating accidents and how to avoid them and stay safe.

Boating is a fun activity millions of Americans enjoy each year.

Knowing what to do and not to do, however, will ensure that your boating adventures are memorable for all the right reasons.