Tips to Help You Enjoy the Summer Boating Season

With Summer on the horizon, boating season is heating up. As you prepare for another summer of fun on the water with family and friends, please remember these pointers to ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves safely.

·  Boater Safety Courses - Errors account for nearly 70 percent of boating accidents. Any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat. Locate and register for a course here. 

·  Registration - In Mississippi, recreational boats must be registered or the owner could face fines and penalties. For details on registration and renewal, click here. 

·  Boating Under the Influence (BUI) -Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. Marine motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray accelerate impairment. These elements cause fatigue, making a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline faster when using alcohol.  

·  Other points to remember:
 -  Be sure to bring lots of water and snacks! You can never have too much water on a hot day on the boat, and we all know that everyone is happier when they are well-fed.
-  Make sure another person on your vessel knows how to drive or how to call for help in case of an emergency.
-  Make sure your anchor rode and chain are not tangled prior to leaving the dock.
- Leave a float plan with someone on-shore.
- Check the weather early and often, and don't be afraid to change your plans.
- Don't forget the sunscreen! Nothing can ruin a fun weekend like a bad sunburn.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, or charged with a BUI and need representation, contact our experienced legal team today!