Miami personal injury attorney Mike Redondo, a strong advocate for boating safety, echoes the National Safe Boating Council’s message as we gear up for the fun of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Operation Dry Water is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) and promotes sober boating practices.
Here in Florida, authorities take BUI very seriously. According to the US Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, alcohol is one of the leading known contributors to recreational boating accidents and deaths.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone on the water, law enforcement and the Coast Guard will step up patrols and conduct checkpoints throughout the July 4th weekend. Their mission: to remove impaired boaters from Florida waterways.
Florida BUI laws: Know before you go
Florida has strict BUI laws that apply to all vessel operators and anyone using water sports equipment like jet skis or sailboards. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Operating a vessel under the influence is illegal. This applies to intoxication caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
- The legal BAC limit is 0.08. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered “under the influence.” Additionally, even a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 can be considered BUI if there’s other evidence of impairment.
Implied consent applies. By operating a vessel on Florida waters, you consent to be tested for intoxication by a law enforcement officer. Refusing such a test results in a $500 fine and is a criminal offense if you have a prior refusal on record.
.02 Law
Florida’s “.02 Law” applies to boaters under 21. Anyone under 21 found with a BAC of 0.02% or higher will be cited, with mandatory penalties involved. For boaters under 21 with a BAC exceeding 0.08%, a BUI charge is likely.
Boating safety is a shared responsibility. Follow these guidelines and always choose a sober skipper. Prevent tragedies and ensure a fun-filled holiday weekend for everyone on Florida’s beautiful waterways.
Additional tips for a safe and fun boating experience
- Boating with kids? Ensure everyone on board has a properly fitted life jacket. Children especially need life jackets that are appropriate for their size and weight.
- Sun safety is a must! Pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for everyone on board. Florida sunshine can be intense, and sunburn can put a damper on your boating trip.
- Hydration is key! Especially on hot days, bring plenty of water for everyone on board to avoid dehydration.
- Leave no trace! Respect the environment by packing out all trash and leaving no litter behind.
- The Florida Boater’s Guide: Your Go-To Resource! Pick up a copy of “The Florida Boater’s Guide” at most local driver’s license offices. This handbook is packed with valuable information on Florida’s boating laws and safe boating practices.
The devastating impact of drunk boaters
BUI is just as dangerous on the water as on the road. Just like getting behind the wheel of a car intoxicated, operating a boat under the influence (BUI) is incredibly reckless and dangerous. Drunk boaters pose a serious threat to themselves and everyone on board.
Miami injury attorney Mike Redondo won a $43 million verdict for his client in a drunk driving case.
Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and decreased coordination are all unfortunate consequences of alcohol consumption. These same dangers translate directly from the road to the water.
Let’s explore some of the potential injuries that can occur when boat operators are under the influence.
Increased risk and severity of injuries: Because reaction times and coordination are impaired, BUI accidents are more likely to occur and result in more serious injuries compared to sober operations.
More falls overboard: Impaired balance and judgment significantly increase the risk of falling overboard, which can lead to:
- Hypothermia: Falling into cold water, especially at night, can quickly lead to hypothermia.
- Drowning: Even a strong swimmer can struggle to stay afloat while intoxicated or unconscious.
- Head injuries: Striking your head on the boat or in the water can cause serious head trauma.
High-speed collisions: BUI operators are more likely to travel at unsafe speeds, increasing the force of impact in a collision leading to:
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in high-speed collisions.
- Spinal cord injuries: The force of a crash can cause severe spinal cord damage.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
Passenger injuries: Impaired operators pose a risk to everyone on board. Passengers can be thrown from the boat, struck by objects, or sustained injuries in a collision.
Pursuing justice after an accident with a boater under the influence
In Florida, the general timeline for filing most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident.
When someone else’s negligence causes your boating accident resulting in catastrophic injuries, contact our local Miami boating accident attorney, Mike Redondo. Our goal is to fight for maximum compensation for your recovery.
In the unfortunate event of a fatal boating accident with an operator under the influence, surviving family members may have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Our Miami wrongful death attorney is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
Please fill out the form below or call to schedule your free consultation.
