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Georgia Boat Lawyer: Capsizing, Swamping and Safety on Lake Lanier

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First and foremost, you should have a float plan in place.  This will allow others to locate you if you do not return to shore at the planned time.

Also, never have your anchor off the back of the boat (the stern). Your anchor should always be off the front of the boat (the bow).

If your boat should capsize or become swamped, in most circumstances, you should stay with your boat.  The reasons for staying with your boat include the fact that rescuers will be looking for a boat, and it’s easier to see a boat in the water than a person.  If the boat does not sink, it helps as a floatation device and will help minimize fatigue while waiting to be rescued.  If your boat is sinking fast, you will want to get away from it so that you do not get sucked down with it.

If you are unable to stay with the boat and you are in the water, the water temperature will almost certainly be much lower than your body temperature.  A lower water temperature will cause your body heat to dissipate and hypothermia will begin to create a potentially fatal condition.  If you are with other people in the water, huddle together to generate warmth. If you are alone, you should “ball up” to trap your body heat.

At Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys, our Georgia boat injury lawyers welcome any questions about boating safety and boating law.  If you, a family member or friend has been injured due to a boating accident, please Call or Email us about any questions you may have about Georgia Boating law safety violations.  Your initial consultation is free and confidential.

About the authors: David B. Purvis and John Breakfield are Georgia Lawyers with Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys in Gainesville, Georgia and handle various legal matters arising on the lakes of Georgia, including Boating Under the Influence Criminal Defense and Boating Injuries, as well as  DUI / DWI, BUI, Accident & Injury and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters.   The law office of Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys can assist clients through out Georgia including:  Lake Lanier, Lake Hartwell, Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), White County (Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Gwinnett County (Buford, Sugar Hill, Lawrenceville), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), Banks County (Homer) and all of Northeast Georgia.

This article and video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.

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