Call Toll Free 1-888-792-3595

Make Your Summer Safe

There are many lakes in the state of Iowa that people enjoy swimming and boating in during the summer months. However, just like with any other outdoor activity people need to think about their safety and what they need to do to prevent any injuries from occurring while enjoying boating and swimming. This past Memorial Day weekend proved that not everyone who goes out on the water is prepared for the worst. There were 11 boating accidents that have been reported so far, which is the most that Iowa has seen for that holiday weekend in a decade. Now the Fourth of July is around the corner which is another popular boating holiday. If you have plans to go boating this summer you should read this article for safety and accident prevention tips.

People need to be aware that there are certain rules boats must follow on the water. Just because you’re not driving on a road does not mean you have free reign of the lake to drive. You must be careful to avoid other boaters or swimmers in the water. Some of the common violations on the water in Iowa are distance and speed. Boat operators are required to keep their boat a safe distance away from other boats. You should also know you are required to not exceed speed limits on the lake. In Iowa, it is illegal to operate:

• Faster than the slow-no-wake speed in designated areas
• Faster than 5 miles per hour (mph) within 100 feet of another vessel underway at 5 mph or less
• Faster than 5 mph if you are within 50 feet of another vessel who is going faster than 5 mph
• Faster than 10 mph unless vision is unobstructed for at least 200 feet ahead
• Faster than 10 mph if you are within 300 feet of shore, unless there is a special zoned area on any federal impoundment or inland lake

Being prepared for a day of boating means you should know all the rules pertaining to operating your boat before you get on the water. Also, you need to make sure you have the same number of life jackets on the boat as you do people. Kids under the age of 13 always need to have their life jacket on unless they are below deck. Failing to have the correct number of life jackets on your boat will result in a ticket.

Boaters also need to be aware that drinking while operating a boat is taken just as serious as drinking while driving. Loading the boat up with your friends and family along with a couple coolers of beer or alcoholic beverages may seem like a great way to spend a hot summer day. However, the person operating the boat should drink very casual, if at all. The legal blood alcohol limit for drinking while operating a boat is .10. This is slightly higher than the limit for driving a car, but you still need to remember that your job as the boat operator is to keep your passengers safe while looking out for other boaters around you.

Spending the day on a boat can be a lot of fun for everyone, we just ask that you be safe and remember to follow the rules. If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident our personal injury attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help answer any questions you may be having regarding your injuries. If you would like to learn more about personal injury accidents in Iowa you can request a copy of our No Cost book that we offer to Iowans who have been injured in personal injury accidents. To request a copy of our no risk or obligation book you can visit us at www.IowaAccidentBook.com or Call Now 1-800-707-2552 ext. 812 (24 hour recorded message)