Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we begin to get involved with more outdoor activities. Not only are we kicking off barbeque season, the warmer weather often means the beginning of boating season.

Drowning remains second only to motor vehicles accident as the leading cause of unintentional injuries-related death among children ages 1 to 14. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe on the water and mandating that children wear life jackets. Ironically, many parents enforce the helmet safety rules when their children are riding bicycles but do not force them to wear life jackets.

Unfortunately, many parents are under the mistaken notion that they are capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard. This is a dangerous misconception. Under many circumstances, an adult may not notice a child falling overboard right away. Some children will not surface immediately. Many rivers and lakes have murky water and it is often difficult to locate a child. This is especially true when a boat or vessel is in motion.

How can parents assist children in this endeavor? The coast guard recommends adults always wear life jackets as well. This is not only to keep themselves safe but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children. Boaters should never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol. Boaters should always wear life jackets and require their passengers to wear life jackets as well. Additionally, a boat safety course provides boaters with additional information on how to keep safe out on the water.