Few things capture the spirit of summer in the Philadelphia area quite like a day on the water. The Delaware River offers boaters miles of scenic shoreline, access to charming waterfront towns, and a welcome break from the city heat.
But before you set sail, a little preparation goes a long way toward making sure your day on the river is a safe and fun one. At Kwartler Manus, our boating accidents attorneys have seen firsthand how quickly a fun outing can turn into a serious injury when boaters skip basic safety steps. Here’s what every boater should do before heading out on the Delaware.
Preparing for a Safe Day on the Water
The Delaware River is tidal in the Philadelphia region, which means currents and water levels shift throughout the day. Before you launch, check the marine forecast, not just the general weather report. Wind speed, storm warnings, and tidal charts all affect how the river will behave.
Sudden thunderstorms can roll in quickly during summer months, and strong currents near bridges, piers, and the confluence with tributaries can catch even experienced boaters off guard. A few minutes checking NOAA marine forecasts or a reliable boating app can help you decide whether it’s a good day to be on the water at all.
Inspect Your Vessel
A thorough inspection of your boat or jet ski can avoid mechanical failures that leave you stranded or, worse, create a dangerous situation on the busy Delaware River. Check the engine, fuel lines, and battery connections. Look over the hull for any damage or wear. Test your bilge pump and make sure your steering and throttle respond properly. If you’re towing the boat to a launch point, inspect your trailer, tires, and hitch as well. Small mechanical issues are far easier to fix at the dock than in the middle of a busy shipping channel.
What Safety Tips Should Every Boater Follow?
Pennsylvania and New Jersey both require boaters to carry specific safety equipment, and because the Delaware River forms the border between the two states, you should be familiar with both sets of regulations. At a minimum, make sure you have:
- A properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person aboard
- A throwable flotation device
- A fire extinguisher rated for marine use
- Visual distress signals (flares or flags, depending on your vessel type)
- A sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle
- A first aid kit
- Life jackets should be worn, not just stored on board. Drowning happens fast and often silently, and even strong swimmers can be caught off guard by cold water, currents, or a sudden fall overboard.
Review Your Float Plan
Before you leave the dock, tell someone on land where you’re going, who’s with you, and when you expect to return. This is often called a float plan, and it costs nothing to put together. If something goes wrong on the water, whether it’s engine trouble, a medical emergency, or a collision, having someone who knows how to raise the alarm if you don’t return on time can make a critical difference in how quickly help arrives.
Check Your Registration, License, and Insurance
Your boat’s registration must be current and displayed in accordance with the regulations of the state where it is registered. Pennsylvania requires boat operators born on or after January 1, 1982, to complete a boating safety course, and New Jersey has its own certification requirements.
It’s also worth confirming that your boat insurance policy is active and provides adequate liability coverage. Accidents on the water may result in substantial property damage or injury claims, and insurance coverage matters just as much on the river as it does on the road.
Have a First-Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher on the Vessel
Your boat should have a first-aid kit with up-to-date supplies, as well as a fire extinguisher. While many boaters will never have to use either of these items, it alleviates a lot of worry knowing that they are within reach should an emergency occur. Before hitting the water for the first time, be sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher properly so you are not reading the instructions when it is too late.
Take a Refresher Boating Safety Course
If it has been a while since you last operated a boat, do yourself a favor and take a refresher boating safety course. These courses are offered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by various agencies, including the New Jersey State Police, the United States Coast Guard, and the Delaware River Power Squadron.
Hazards That Can Lead to Boating Accidents
Boating accidents happen for various reasons, many of which are easily preventable. Common hazards that can lead to boating accidents include the following:
- Failure to check the vessel for broken or missing equipment
- Failure to take a boating safety course
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Not having an understanding of the local waterways, rules, and regulations
- Operating the vessel at excessive speeds
- Operator inexperience
- Distractions (using your mobile device, changing the channel on the radio, speaking with passengers, etc.)
- Improperly looking out for other vessels around yours
While not an exhaustive list, these hazards can lead to serious boating accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries and death.
Common Injuries Caused by Boating Accidents
One of the most common injuries caused by Delaware River boating accidents is broken bones. Unfortunately, even the most minor of accidents can lead to a broken bone. Whether it is a foot, ankle, hand, wrist, shoulder, arm, or leg, you could find yourself spending the rest of the summer in a cast. If the break is bad, you could require surgery to repair it, leading to extensive physical therapy in the hopes that you recover as close to normal as possible.
Lacerations are also common in boating accidents. Cuts that are left untreated can become infected, which can often lead to serious illness and even sepsis. If not caught quickly, sepsis can lead to death. Be sure to check your body for cuts, no matter how minor, and treat them accordingly to avoid infection.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Victims of boating accidents on the Delaware River can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Concussions, while scary, are head injuries that often have excellent recovery rates. However, once you suffer your first concussion, you increase the likelihood of suffering subsequent concussions. If you hit your head in a boating accident, you should seek medical care immediately.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) bring with them significant complications and a lengthy recovery. While victims of TBI can experience recovery, many often see lifelong complications that prevent them from working and caring for themselves. Some patients will need to relearn how to walk, talk, feed, and dress themselves, and require assistance with daily tasks.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can change your life in an instant, no longer having the ability to use your arms, legs, or care for yourself. While you might be able to walk using a walker, many victims of spinal cord injuries often require the use of a wheelchair for mobility. If you are paralyzed, you might require renovations to your home to make it wheelchair accessible. If your injury was caused by the negligence of another boater, you could include the cost of home renovations in the claim.
Amputations
It is not out of the realm of possibility that you suffer amputation of an arm or leg in a boating accident along the Delaware River, especially if the accident involves being struck by the propeller of the vessel. Amputation can lead to infection and sepsis if not treated properly. If the amputation was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could include the cost of a prosthetic limb in your claim, so you are not responsible for the cost.
What Should You Do After a Boating Accident?
Should you be involved in a Delaware River boating accident, call 911 immediately so that the proper authorities can respond. Depending on where the accident occurred on the river, you could see responses from local, state, and federal agencies. Tell the dispatcher your exact location, what happened, how many people are aboard the boat, and how many injuries there are, as well as the severity of each injury.
Provide as much information as possible to responding law enforcement, especially if your vessel was struck by another vessel and fled the scene. Never chase a vessel that struck yours. Remain in the area where you were struck and await emergency personnel to arrive.
Accept medical care from responding firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. If they recommend that you go to the hospital, do so. A boating accident injury could lead to serious complications, such as traumatic brain injuries, burns, broken bones, amputation, spinal cord injuries, and death.
When to Speak With a Delaware River Boating Accident Lawyer
Even with careful preparation, boating accidents can and do occur, whether due to another operator’s negligence, equipment failure, or hazardous river conditions. If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident on the Delaware River, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.
The boating accident attorneys at Kwartler Manus have experience helping injured boaters and their families pursue the compensation they deserve. A little preparation can prevent many accidents, but when negligence causes harm, having experienced legal counsel on your side can make all the difference in your recovery. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
- National Park Service: River Safety:
https://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/river-safety.htm - National Park Service: Boating:
https://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/boating.htm - Boat-Ed: Take Your Delaware Virtual Boater Education Course:
https://www.boat-ed.com/delaware/plus/ - Boat Safe US LLC: Can I Use My Pennsylvania Boat License in NJ?:
https://www.boatsafeus.com/can-i-use-my-pennsylvania-boat-license-in-nj - Boat-Ed: Operator Age and Education Requirements:
https://www.boat-ed.com/delaware/studyGuide/Operator-Age-and-Education-Requirements/10100902_29397/ - Delaware River Basin Commission: Boating:
https://www.nj.gov/drbc/basin/recreation/boating-info.html
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