If you have a teen and own a boat, you should take some safety steps before you allow him or her to operate the vessel.

Before allowing teens to boat, make sure that they:

• Are aware of the dangers of drunk boating
• Do not allow people to tube, ski or wakeboard without experience
• Are aware of safe areas to swim and anchor
• Understand that life jackets must available for everyone aboard a vessel
• Have received proper instruction regarding use and operation of the vessel
• Have experience operating a vessel
• Are aware of local laws regarding speeds and areas that are off limits

Teen Dies in Florida Boat Accident

We bring up this subject because recently a Florida teen died in a boat accident and five others were injured.

According to CBS Miami, the accident occurred in Ft. Lauderdale when a small boat crashed into a bridge. The teen operating the boat reportedly wedged it underneath a low-lying bridge, which had several pipes running below it.

Investigators said that several teens were standing up on the vessel when the bridge and pipes were struck. The teen who died, 17, was about to start his senior year of high school. Officials said that they believe the teens were exploring an area of Middle River when the crash happened.

Aside from the teen who died, three other people aboard the vessel were critically injured and two people sustained minor injuries. One witness said he saw a boat speeding with loud people aboard on the water prior to the crash.

Our Maritime Attorneys Work With Recreational Boating Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a recreational boating accident or your loved one has died, you should speak to our maritime accident attorneys, who represent victims from across the country.

Insurance may come into play in your claim, so it may be in your best interest to have our attorneys review your case prior to talking with an insurer, as you may receive greater compensation by making sure that all of your legal options are exhausted.

Remember to stay safe on the water! Labor Day is coming up and this is a particularly busy time for recreational boaters. For more information about boating and water skiing accidents, visit our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Latti & Anderson LLP – Nationwide Maritime Attorneys

Source: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/08/13/teen-killed-five-others-injured-when-boat-hits-bridge/