Boating Safety Tips For A Fun, Safe Time On The Water

At Lake of the Ozarks, most of the summer is spent on the water. Although the end of summer is approaching, there are still a couple months left in the boating season. With Labor Day Weekend coming up and plenty of weekends still on the horizon, there will be many boats out on the Lake. It is important to always be cautious whenever you are out on the water, especially if there are a lot of boaters. In today's blog, your Lake of the Ozarks attorneys offer a few tips to help keep you and your family safe while out on the water.

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket


Wearing a life jacket is a very simple task that that is extremely effective in saving lives. Missouri law requires boats to have U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets on board for every passenger on their watercraft. However, many people do not wear them. If you are in a boating accident, you may not have time to reach for your life jacket. Children under the age of seven are required to wear a life jacket whenever they are on a boat, unless they are in the cabin area of a houseboat or cruiser.

2. Do Not Drink and Drive


Just like you do not drink and drive a car, you should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs. The dangers of drunk driving can be even more hazardous on water than on land. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can affect your judgement, vision, balance and coordination, which can increase the risk of being in a boating accident. Do not put yourself and your passengers in danger by making sure you always have a sober driver. In addition, boating while intoxicated is a criminal offense that can result in jail and/or a significant fine.

3. Pay Attention to the Weather


Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in Missouri. Hazardous conditions can easily catch boaters off guard. Before launching your boat, take a look at the weather forecast. If you are already out on the water, note the current weather conditions. Sudden wind changes, lightning flashes, and choppy water can indicate an oncoming storm. If bad weather is approaching, get off the water as soon as possible.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

4. Keep an Emergency Kit on Board


Having an emergency kit on board is a good idea. Make sure it is kept in a dry bag or flotation pouch. Some things to keep in the kit are a cell phone, maps, flares and a first aid kit.

5. Tell Someone Else


Make sure to tell friends and family about your boating trip. Tell them where you are going and when you will be back. This way if something happens to you, such as getting stranded, someone will know to come looking and have a general idea of where to look.

If You Are In Need of Legal Representation, Remember PMCW


Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm hopes you have a safe and fun time while out on the water. If you do happen to find yourself in an accident and in need of a personal injury attorney, the team at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C. is here for you.  You may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries, depending on the situation. Visit our website at www.pmclaw.com or call us at 573-346-7231 to learn more. 

Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020   GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax


Like Us on Facebook
Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Reasons To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney

Image
Criminal charges can turn your life upside down. If you are found guilty, you can suffer numerous consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and effect on your permanent record. If you are facing criminal charges, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference. Consider these reason why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. 1. Your Attorney Understands The Law It's no secret that the legal field is complex. Every law has exceptions, and every circumstance has different specific requirements. You need a criminal defense attorney that has experience dealing with these minute details and can help you use them to build a solid case. 2. Your Attorney Knows The Scene The Missouri Courts are like a world of their own. Each court has its own set of rules, social norms, and strict guidelines governing what behavior is and is not acceptable. If this is your first court case, you can not possibly know all of these unspo
Read more

Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage

Image
Congratulations! It is 2019 and this is the year you are getting married. Among all of the wedding planning, you probably haven't had time to think about the legal side of getting married. While it is not the most glamorous side, it is worth taking a look into. For example, has your fiance brought up the notion of signing a prenuptial agreement (prenup)? It is best to know what all comes with a prenuptial agreement and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to sign one. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few legal tips to be aware of when entering into a marriage. If you find yourself need a prenuptial agreement drawn up, call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch   today for your free consultation at 573-346-7231. Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage Do You Plan to Legally Change Your Name After You Get Married? If you plan to change your legal name after marriage, here is what you need to do. According to the Misso
Read more

Consequences Of Having A Criminal Record

Image
If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you contact one of our criminal defense attorneys in Camden County MO immediately. Criminal law is complex and involved, and representing yourself can be challenging, overwhelming, and risky. Regardless of whether or not you actually committed the crime in question, being found guilty can negatively impact your life for years to come. Here is a look at some of the consequences that may result from having a criminal record. Difficulty Getting Accepted Into Schools Schools have a moral and ethical responsibility to keep their students, faculty, and staff safe. On the applications for almost every university or college, applicants must list whether or not they have been convicted of a crime in the past. If the answer is yes, the applicants may experience greater difficulty getting accepted into the schools of their choice. These challenges pursuing higher education may, in turn, make it more difficult to find quality
Read more