Boating on Ontario lakes and rivers is one of the area’s most popular outdoor summer activities. Thousands of people flock to the water to cool off and relax in a day or a weekend of boating fun, swimming and fishing. With the increase in activity, however, many more people are injured or killed every year in boating accidents, often due to avoidable mishaps and boat operator negligence. If you have been injured or a loved one has died due to the negligence of a boat owner or operator on the Ottawa River or any of Ontario’s waterways, you should seek the counsel of an experienced Ontario boat accident lawyer.

– Boat Drivers are Treated Similar to Motor Vehicle Operators

Boat drivers are required to be licensed and their boats registered. They are held to laws that are similar to motor vehicle operators when it comes to speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and other offenses. Unlike #link(motor-vehicle-car-accidents,,motor vehicle accidents), boating accidents are not covered by no-fault insurance. Victims in boating accidents can sue the boat owner, the boat operator and their respective insurance companies for damages and loss of income stemming from their boating accident. A person who is responsible for causing personal injury to another as a result of a boating accident may be limited to pay damages of $1,000.000 per event regardless of the number of people hurt in the accident. This includes those who suffer personal injury and loss of life.

– Injuries and Deaths Related to Boating Accidents

Drowning as a result of swimming or falling off a boat into the water while on a boating trip is one of the leading cause of #link(personal-injury,,personal injury) and death in boating accidents in Canada. The Canadian Red Cross has compiled boat accident statistics using data collected from coroner’s offices from 1991 to 2010 and by conducting interviews for that time period. The study shows that each year there is an average of 166 boating-related fatalities and that failing to wear a life jacket and alcohol consumption are the leading causes.

According to Canadian Red Cross conclusions from their 1991 to 2010 study, nearly 90 per cent of all boaters who drown were either wearing a lifejacket that was not properly fastened or not wearing one at all. Further, in approximately 20 per cent of boating fatalities, a lifejacket was on board but not being worn.  The risk of drowning while boating is compounded by alcohol consumption.  Alcohol was suspected or found to be present in more than 39 per cent of boating deaths. In many instances, the drowning victims had over the legal limit of alcohol consumption (well over 80 mg%) for drivers in Ontario.  See the Canadian Red Cross web site for more details : http://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/What-We-Do/Swimming-Water-Safety/water-related-fatality-facts-at-a-glance-canada-1991-2010.pdf.

– Boating Accident Safety Requirements

In spite of the statistics that encourage us to wear a life jacket at all times in order to prevent boating fatalities, only 14% of Canadian boat owners surveyed reported even carrying a life jacket onboard their boat. In addition to life jackets for each passenger, boat owners are required by law to keep a bailer to bail water in the event of a leak in the boat, two paddles or two oars with oar locks, a whistle, and a fire extinguisher.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence in a boating accident, our experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers stand ready to assist you.  Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation. If you wish to make a claim but are incapacitated by your injuries, we will be happy to come to your home or hospital. #link(contact,,Burn Tucker Lachaîne) is one of eastern Ontario’s largest personal injury firms and we have the experience and skills necessary to get you results. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.

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