Boat Capsizing Accident Lawyers
Being on a boat that capsizes can be a frightening and dangerous experience. There are, however, several things you can do to improve your survivability in the event of a capsize.
To prepare yourself prior to boarding, you can:
- Take a course in which you actually experience a capsize under controlled and supervised conditions.
- Obtain a Float Coat — a vest that provides extended hypothermia protection. Hypothermia, or a reduction of the body's vital core temperature that can set in quickly (within minutes) after immersion in water, is a leading cause of death after capsizing. A benefit of Float Coats is that many are comfortable enough to wear continuously while on board, making readiness less of an issue during an boating accident emergency.
If a boat you are on swaps or capsizes, you should stay with the boat. This cannot be stressed enough. Reasons for remaining with the vessel include:
- The boat provides a flotation platform
- The boat is more visible to potential rescuers
- The shore is always farther than it appears to be
Scenarios for surviving a capsize vary depending largely on the type of boat (smaller boats are likelier to capsize). Following are some tips for surviving a capsize by some types of vessels:
- Kayak without a deck — if the kayak is inverted, exit from under it and flip it over. To get back in, keep your center of gravity low and gently swing your hips over the gunwales prior to picking up the paddle.
- Decked kayak — release the skirt by bending forward to release the tension of the skirts front and pull the pull-tab. Continue to roll forward and out to surface. Right the kayak and ease back in.
- Canoe — canoes filled with water can still be propelled. After righting it, bail it if you have a bailer. Otherwise sit (dont kneel) on the bottom and paddle it to the nearest point of shore. Note that while the canoe is filled with water is more difficult to paddle and will tip more readily.
- Rowboat — rowboats built in the US since 1978 have floatation devices built in. Try to right the boat in the water and have one person go over the gunwale to bail it almost dry before bringing other passengers on board.
- Sailboat with centerboard — after the mast hits the water, loosen the sheets (ropes that control the sail) to prevent the boat from sailing again once righted. Go around to the bottom of the boat and stand on the centerboard before the boat turtles (when the mast points straight down). Once righted, point the boat into the wind and climb back in.
- Larger sailboat with keel — the entire crew may need to stand on the keel to right the boat.
- Large ocean-going boats — sometimes these vessels simply wont right. Stay with the boat!
- Ships — familiarize yourself with the particular ships emergency procedures and follow the crews and rescuers instructions.
If you or a loved one has died or been injured in a boat that has capsized, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified boating accident attorney for an evaluation of your case.
For occupational injuries on or near water, see also:
Admiralty and Marine Injuries Attorneys
