A freak boating accident has taken the life of a young boy trying to be safe on the water and now his death is a reminder of the dangers that boating entails.
A 12-year-old boy was enrolled in junior sailing camp and was practicing a capsizing drill in July. As the little motorboat he was in lunged forward, the young boy fell overboard and became tangled up in the motor. The young boy died from catastrophic injuries and now his heartbroken family and boating community are calling for change.
This is a sad reminder that the fast-moving steel blade propellers of a boat motor kill and injure boat passengers, swimmers, and water skiers every year. If a shroud or cage were to encase the sharp exposed blades, many of these horrific injuries could be prevented and lessened. Many in the boating world have long opposed such guards around their motors, arguing they don’t work and could even suck victims in and be even more harmful. And selfishly, some boaters consider them an unnecessary device that slows speed.
But with 175 injuries last year combined with 24 deaths, such safety measures are key. Propeller guards typically cost between $100 and $400, which is minuscule compared to the overall cost of boating and upkeep and necessary to save a life, which is priceless.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a boating accident, call our office today. Our attorneys have over a combined century of experience dealing with boating accident cases in and around New York City and have achieved over $100 million in settlements and verdicts to prove our success record. We have spent countless hours analyzing boating accidents and we do everything from checking surveillance camera footage to speaking with expert witnesses to make sure justice is served. Call our office today to figure out your next steps in your boating accident. We are here to help you.
