You may not know this--or it
may not be a surprise--but Arizona
was recently ranked the seventh highest state for boating accidents.
Number 7!
For many of us, this may be a
surprise given that Arizona
isn't exactly known for waterways or coastlines. In fact, 8 of the top 10
states in the list have ocean coastlines, and the remaining state, Michigan, is surrounded on all sides by the Great Lakes.
Arizona is the
ONLY landlocked state to make the list. Here is the top 10, according to
the U.S. Coast Guard:
Total number of accidents in
2008
1. Florida
2. California
3. Texas
4. Michigan
5. New York
6. Maryland
7. Arizona
8. Georgia
9. North Carolina
10. New Jersey
As an attorney who has worked
on countless boating accident cases, this statistic was not a surprise to me.
Yes, we are a desert state. But we are also a state with year-round
boating weather, a booming population sharing limited waterways, and a populace that is well-regarded for an ability to
enjoy the outdoors and have a good time. These
factors form a perfect storm for boating dangers, and too often I see this
statistic play out as a real life tragedy.
This past Memorial Day weekend unfortunately saw several deaths as a result of
water accidents. By Saturday there were already two separate drownings in
the Salt River, both men in their
mid-twenties. Very sad and completely avoidable.
There are many causes for
waterway accidents: inexperience, lesser attention to the “road” in front
of you, alcohol, drugs and fatigue. Boating
is fun. And in the desert during an Arizona summer, it's REALLY fun. When
we are having fun, we shouldn’t have to worry about the rules so much,
right? Wrong. Responsible boating means paying attention and
keeping control over our vessel and its occupants.
I would say that about 90% of boating accident cases I handle
involve alcohol. Too much drinking, in the hot sun, leads to inhibition
loss and fatigue. And, being in control of a “vehicle” that is capable of
high speeds, in the hands of one less than responsible, is asking for
trouble.
Of course, boater education and
training plays a role as well. Do you know that Arizona does not require a boater-safety
course in order to operate a watercraft? You don’t need training.
You don’t have to take a test. You don’t need a license to operate a boat
on the public lakes. Now,
you may not be worried about YOU, but, what about the others you know nothing
about? We don’t all share the same educational achievements, or the same
moral compass. You simply trust that others will do what they should be doing. We know, on the Arizona lakes, that all
too often that is not the case.
If there is a moral to this
story, it is that boaters in Arizona
must be especially cautious when you are out on the water. Given the
unique circumstances to our great state, you are more likely to be involved in
a boating accident in Arizona
than in most other states. Be responsible and careful, even while you are
having fun. If you cannot do that, or are not sure, then stay home.
By taking basic precautions,
having a fun time on the water becomes even easier! Enjoy the boating
season, Arizona--and
be safe!
