Florida is a Mecca for boating enthusiasts. Whether an excursion is for fishing or any other pleasure, our waters will be filled with boaters during Southwest Florida’s busy 2021-2022 tourist season.

Florida’s waters were deadlier for boaters in 2020 than in at least a decade, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). Drinking and boating were a big part of why authorities saw a spike in boating accidents.

Conditions can change quickly when on the water. These conditions may require good visibility and smart decision-making. Boat passengers, other boaters, swimmers, and other water users are all at risk when a boat operator is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. The marine environment motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray accelerate a drinker's impairment. These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator's coordination, judgment, and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol. Alcohol can also be more dangerous to boaters because boat operators are often less experienced and less confident on the water than on the highway. Recreational boaters don't have the benefit of experiencing daily boat operation. In fact, boaters average only 110 hours on the water per year,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Here are some tips to avoid the tragedy of BUI from the USCG:

• Take along a variety of cool drinks, such as sodas, water, iced tea, lemonade, or non-alcoholic beer.
• Bring plenty of food and snacks.
• Wear clothes that will help keep you and your passengers cool.
• Plan to limit your trip to a reasonable time to avoid fatigue.
• Having no alcohol while aboard is the safest way to enjoy the water.
• Spread the word on the dangers of BUI.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a Florida boating accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We have the experienced Fort Myers boating accident legal team to assist you 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey is a Board-Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.