Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | January 4, 2025 | Boat Accidents
Boating is a popular activity in Melbourne, Florida, thanks to its beautiful waterways and access to the Atlantic Ocean. However, like any recreational activity, boating comes with risks. Every year, Florida sees a significant number of boating accidents, some of which tragically result in fatalities.
Understanding the main causes of these accidents is crucial for improving safety and preventing future tragedies. The primary causes of boating accidents that lead to death in Melbourne, Florida, are:
Operator Inattention and Distraction
One of the leading causes of boating accidents, including fatalities, is operator inattention. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the majority of boating accidents are caused by operators who are distracted or not paying full attention to the water and their surroundings.
Distractions often come in many forms—whether it’s texting, talking to passengers, adjusting equipment, or even drinking alcohol. A boat operator who isn’t focused on navigation, speed, or other boats on the water is at a much higher risk of crashing or colliding with other vessels, leading to serious accidents.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Just like driving a car under the influence of alcohol is illegal, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Boating Under the Influence, or BUI) is a serious offense in Florida. In fact, alcohol use is one of the primary contributing factors to fatal boating accidents in Melbourne and across the state.
Florida Statutes Section 327.35 prohibits operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. Those caught operating a boat while impaired can face criminal charges, fines, and civil liability, in addition to being responsible for accidents that result in death or injury.
Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time—making it much more difficult to operate a boat safely. Many boating accidents involve operators who are intoxicated or impaired, leading to collisions, capsizing or falls overboard that result in fatal injuries or wrongful death.
Operator Inexperience
Another significant factor contributing to fatal boating accidents is operator inexperience. While many boaters in Florida are seasoned, a large number of boating accidents involve individuals who lack the skills or experience to navigate the waterways safely.
Boating requires a thorough understanding of navigation rules, weather conditions, boat handling, and how to respond to emergencies.
Failure to Wear Life Jackets
A key safety measure that can prevent drowning deaths in boating accidents is wearing a life jacket. Tragically, a significant number of fatal boating accidents in Melbourne, Florida, involve victims who were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that drowning is the leading cause of death in recreational boating accidents, and most victims were not wearing a life jacket. Life jackets are essential for keeping people afloat, especially in an emergency when they may be ejected from the boat or unable to swim.
Excessive Speed
Speeding on the water is another common cause of fatal boating accidents. Operating a boat at excessive speeds makes it harder to react to obstacles in the water, including other boats, wildlife, or floating debris. High speeds can also make the boat harder to control in rough waters, increasing the likelihood of capsizing or losing control.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a critical role in boating safety. In Melbourne, Florida, sudden changes in weather—like thunderstorms, high winds, or fog—can cause dangerous conditions on the water. Inexperienced or distracted boaters who are unaware of weather forecasts or fail to assess conditions properly may find themselves in hazardous situations, leading to accidents and fatalities.
Before heading out on the water, it’s essential to check the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. If conditions worsen, it’s important to return to shore or seek shelter.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Suppose you or someone you know has been involved in a boating accident in Melbourne, especially one that results in serious injury or death. In that case, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or wrongful death. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as inattention, alcohol use, or unsafe boating practices—legal action may be necessary to hold the responsible party accountable.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Boating
While boating can be a fun and relaxing activity, it’s essential to recognize the main causes of boating accidents that lead to death. To stay safe on the water, make sure to follow Florida boating laws, avoid distractions, complete a boating safety course, wear a life jacket, and always operate your vessel with caution. By taking these simple but essential steps, you can help prevent accidents and make your boating experience both safe and enjoyable.
Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orlando, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.5534238,-81.3692001
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
Hours: Open 24/7
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
Hours: Open 24/7
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051