Owning a Boat Can Be Risky Business

A watercraft safety update

Did you know that if you own a boat it is not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy?  That is the first boating safety rule; get the right kind of watercraft insurance.  There are more than 600,000 registered boats in Texas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  The U.S. Coast Guard recently published these boating facts:

·        Last year there were over 580 deaths and 2,900 injuries associated with boating accidents.

·        Over 40 million dollars in damage to boats and other property occurred last year.

·        Over 80% of drowning victims did not have a life vest.

·        Alcohol use is the leading cause of boating accidents.

J. S. Edwards Boating Safety Tips

·        Have enough life vests for all passengers.

·        All children should wear a life vest at all times. Children younger than age 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device while underway.

·        Do not overload your boat.

·        Always obey waterway laws and rules.

·        Never drink and drive a boat.

·        Take a boater’s safety course.

·        Always give sailboats the right of way.