It is not always easy to determine what caused a boating accident. While many safety features are present on any watercraft, a system can malfunction or be used improperly. Some of the most common types of boating accidents involve:
- Collision with another boat or structure
- Collision with a swimmer
- Defects in boat design leading to injury
- Failure to follow boating laws resulting in injury
If a collision or failure to follow boating laws occurs, the boat operator is often at fault. It is not uncommon for boaters to consume alcohol – boating under the influence is illegal, for good reason. Safe operation of a watercraft requires great care and reasonable care taken to avoid a collision causing harm to others, whether other boats, jet skis, or swimmers in the area.