Boat Accident Safety Tips

Listed below are some safety tips.  We hope you will follow these when heading out on our local waterways.

• Before leaving your home to enjoy a day out of the boat, check the weather forecast.  Also, once out, if you notice a sudden shift in the wind or see lightning flashes and choppy water, this can mean a storm is developing.  If this happens, you should head for shore immediately as storms can develop very quickly.
• Certain items are essential, such as a flashlight (extra batteries), matches, a map of the waterway, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, and extra sunglasses. Those items sensitive to water should be placed in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
• Make sure someone knows where you're going, who is with you, and how long you'll be away.
• Be sure to check your boat before leaving, such as the engine and fuel supply before leaving.
• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.
• Don’t drink alcohol.  Alcohol use causes approximately 50% of all fatalities on our waterways. 
• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
• Find a boating course in your area (Red Cross, U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.

For additional information contained in the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Coast Guard 2004 Report, visit U.S. Coast Guard Boating Statistics.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, call Cellino & Barnes now at 1-800-483-2050 or contact us by clicking on Buffalo / Rochester Boating Injury Lawyer.

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Cellino & Barnes represents or has represented auto injury victims throughout New York State, including Albany, Albion, Amherst, Binghamton, Buffalo, Corning, Cortland, Dunkirk, Elmira, Geneva, Hornell, Ithaca, Jamestown, Lockport, Long Island, Medina, New York City, Niagara Falls, Olean, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Troy, Utica, Watertown, Wellsville and more.

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