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Being a resident of the Sunshine State comes with its fair share of perks.

Floridians enjoy warm, balmy weather nearly year-round, as well as access to some of the world’s most renowned theme parks. We also boast some of the most beautiful coasts and diverse waterways in our state, making Florida a paradise for swimmers, sunbathers, and millions of boaters.

As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, many Floridians are taking their own yachts, kayaks, sailboats, and jet skis out to the water, or renting watercrafts from our state’s countless boating businesses. Whether you own a boat or plan on renting one, boating in Florida is unparalleled summer activity in terms of relaxation and recreation—that is, if undertaken with certain safety measures in mind.

Every year, there are an estimated 700 fatalities involving recreational boating accidents in our country, the vast majority of which occur during the summer. Oftentimes, these accidents can be avoided by taking simple safety precautions.

If you are a Florida resident or visitor planning on boating this summer season, here are some important tips for keeping you and your passengers safe.

Wear a lifejacket. The Coast Guard estimates that as many as 90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device, while many of the remaining 10 percent were wearing ineffective models. Whether you go out on a yacht, kayak, or other type of watercraft, it is imperative that the operator and each and every passenger wears a properly fitting life jacket—regardless of how strong a swimmer you are.

There are many factors out on the open water that can make swimming more difficult than usual, including the temperature of the water and the strength of the current. In addition, if you are knocked unconscious by a boat, paddle, or other object, your swimming skills can’t help you.

Stay sober. Boating under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is both illegal and highly dangerous. Every year, drunk boating is directly responsible for more than 17 percent of all recreational boating fatalities. Although public opinion isn’t as harsh on boating under the influence as it is driving under the influence, drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving—perhaps even more so. Boaters often experience a phenomenon known as “boater’s fatigue,” where the combination of noise, vibration, wind, and glare effects a boater in a similar way as alcohol and drugs. Boat operators and passengers who suffer from boater’s fatigue may become disorientated, dizzy, and sleepy—when combined with the effects of alcohol, these symptoms can lead to deadly accidents.

Mind the weather. You should always check the weather forecast before going boating, and reschedule trips if heavy winds, rain, or storms are predicted. If you are out on the water and notice gathering clouds, darkening skies, and distant signs of thunder and lightning, return to shore immediately. If this is not possible, go below, or crouch down in the middle of the boat for the duration of the storm.

Bring along appropriate gear. Particularly if you are boating out in the ocean, it’s very important to outfit your boat with appropriate gear and supplies, including sufficient fuel and life buoys. It’s also a good idea to bring a VHF marine radio. Your cellphone may not be very useful in the case of an emergency out on the water, where coverage is often spotty and electronics can get damaged.

Take a safety course. Whether you own a boat or rent one, you and your family can benefit greatly from a boater’s safety course. Such courses can familiarize you with your boat, build your operating and maneuvering skills, and prepare you to handle emergencies.

What to Do if You are in a Boating Accident

In the event of a boating accident, a solid plan of action could save the lives of you and your passengers. If you find yourself in the frightening position of being involved in a boating accident, follow these steps:

1. Check to see if anyone onboard has been injured or needs medical attention.
2. Call the Coast Guard and alert them of the accident, describing the incident and severity of damage with as much detail as possible.
3. Check to see if the passengers of the other vessel need attention or assistance.

Once you are safely back on land, you should get the name, contact information, and insurance information of all boat operators involved in the crash. If possible, take pictures of the damage and any injuries you or your passengers have sustained. If you suffered bodily injuries or other damages as a result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact a skilled boat accident attorney if Florida to begin taking the necessary steps towards justice and compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery.

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

Image: http://pixabay.com/en/dog-man-attacking-canine-training-78117/

When Pets Attack, They Can Cause Serious or Even Fatal Injuries

Most people like dogs. How can you resist those adoring eyes, the wagging tail, and the warm, fuzzy head that seems to appear in your lap just when you’re feeling your lowest? So many Americans like dogs, in fact, that the Humane Society estimates that 46% of US households own dogs. But not all dogs exude the same warm friendliness that your family’s Golden Retriever displays. Dog attacks are a serious problem, and an aggressive dog can cause brutal injuries that maim, permanently injure, or even kill their victims. And these attacks occur more frequently than we would like to think. According to Dogsbite.org, a site for victims of aggressive dog attacks, every day in the U.S., 1,000 people seek medical treatment for dog bites. In 2001, 42% of these attacks were on children age 14 or younger with the highest rate of attack on boys between the ages of five and nine years old.

The 10 Breeds Most Likely to Attack

Image: http://pixabay.com/en/puppy-pittbull-dog-wide-angle-140306/

Now before you start giving Fido the wary eye, keep in mind that certain dog breeds are far more likely to attack than others. Merrit Clifton, the editor of Animal People conducted a 30-year study of all cases of aggressive dog attacks in the U.S. and Canada. Compiling massive amounts of data, Clifton concluded that these 10 breeds are responsible for the majority of aggressive dog attacks:

1. Pitt Bull – These dogs, which make up only 4.4% of the canine population, caused bodily harm to 2235 victims, over four times more than any other breed. 233 Pit Bull attacks resulted in death, and 1268 victims were maimed.

2. Rottweiler – In 30 years, Rottweilers caused bodily harm 495 times and caused 81 deaths and 277 maimings.

3. Pitt Bull Mix – Turns out the breed’s aggressive temperament is only slightly cooled by strains of other breeds. Pit bull mixes caused bodily harm to 148 victims, killed 12, and maimed 83.

4. German Shepherd – Though a popular breed, these dogs inflicted 96 cases of bodily harm, killed 14, and maimed another 59.

5. Bullmastiff – These strong, solidly built canines harmed 87 people, killing 14 and maiming 46.

6. Wolf hybrid – Because these dogs are just what they sound like – a mix of a wild wolf and another dog breed – it is not surprising that they are exceedingly aggressive animals. The study found that they caused bodily harm to 84 people, killed 19 and maimed 48.

7. Husky – Since this is another popular breed, it is alarming that Huskies caused injuries 71 times and were responsible for 24 deaths and 20 maimings.

8. Akita – These Japanese dogs with a coat similar to that of a Husky don’t look particularly aggressive, but they inflicted bodily harm 65 times, killing 8 and maiming 47.

9. Chow – Chows are not particularly large, and their fluffy coats mask an aggressive nature. Still, these dogs inflicted bodily harm 55 times, killed 7 and maimed 37.

10. German Shepherd Mix – Even with the blood of other breeds running through their veins, German Shepherd mixes caused 41 cases of bodily harm, killed 7 victims, and maimed 26.

As is made clear by the study, the dangers posed by these dogs are significant. In fact, some insurance companies will refuse to insure owners of these dogs when it comes to homeowners or renters insurance. Even more significant, some cities and even states have legislation prohibiting the ownership of certain dangerous breeds. For example, Miami-Dade County bans the ownership of Pit Bulls.

Given the significant evidence of the potential dangers of these breeds, ownership of these dogs means that owners should be vigilant in ensuring that the public is protected by keeping their dogs contained and under control. What is especially unconscionable is when dog owners allow these dogs to roam about or to come into contact with small children. Though many will argue that their bully breed or large breed dog is the most gentle, smart, and loyal companion to be found—and we don’t argue that those claims are often true—the fact is that when a large dog does attack, they generate powerful force and create substantial injuries due to their size and build. Dog owners must be held responsible for the behavior of their pets, and victims should receive financial compensation for trauma inflicted by aggressive canines.