Over the past year, Florida has experienced a dramatic rise in boat traffic on its waterways.
Boating magazine reports, “The Covid-19 pandemic fueled an enormous increase in boating activity this past year. The height came during the summer months, when individuals who was simply under pandemic-related lockdowns since March popularized the water in record numbers.”
With a lot of people desperate to get free from the house and recreate, used and new boat sales surged. “A large number of boats were sold to first-time buyers,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's leading independent marine insurance agency.
The pandemic saw a rise in boat sales, marine insurance policies taken out, boat insurance claims and an increase in calls for towing assistance. While many boats were sold, the united states Coast Guard says boating education fell off.
According to The US Coast Guard 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics accidents, injuries and fatalities were all significantly higher compared to the previous year. The stats show a 25-26 percent rise in accidents, injuries and fatalities.
The report explains the top five causes of problems include, operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and a brand new one towards the list, machinery failure.
The most common vessel types involved with accidents were open motorboats (46 percent), personal watercraft (22 percent) and cabin motorboats (13 percent).
“Boat safety factors are an increasing concern with a lot of boat operators being first-time owners and the increase in boat rentals,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's leading independent boat insurance agency.
If you are a first-time boat owner or plan to rent a ship, consider boater education programs before your maiden voyage. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is a great resource for educational requirements and programs in your town.
While having the proper marine insurance cannot prevent accidents, however it will certainly help in the unfortunate case of damage occurring. Contact Insurance for coverage on all kinds of vessels small and big. We are able to take care of all of your marine insurance needs.
