Following the death in August of a girl from a boating accident close to the Old Greenwich Yacht Club at Greenwich Point, Greenwich lawmakers are looking at new legislation to try and prevent such accidents happening in the future.
Among the ideas are to bring the state’s boat licensing requirements in line with requirements for obtaining a driver’s license given that a boat powered by an engine can be just as unsafe as a car, if not more so because of the risk of drowning.
In addition, consideration will be given to increasing the age for operating a boat, or protective covers on propeller blades.
State records show there are typically one or more boating associated fatalities on Connecticut waters each year. According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, DEEP, there were 39 boating accidents reported to state authorities in 2013. Of these, 13 resulted in at least one particular injury. Two of those resulting in injury were alcohol related.
At the moment in Connecticut, an operator usually needs to get a boating certificate from DEEP which can be acquired after finishing a safe boating course and passing a test. They also need to be at least 12 years of age to operate a boat alone but those even younger are allowed to operate a boat as long as they are accompanied by someone over 18 who holds a certificate.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a boating accident in Connecticut, contact the Stamford pedestrian accident attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 244-5480 – or Click here for a free case evaluation.
