The sun is out, the sand is warm and beautiful, white sailboats decorate our San Diego skyline. It’s boating season!

It goes without saying that San Diego is well-known for its year-round beaches, fair sailing conditions and enviable climate. So even though summer season hasn’t officially arrived, water-lovers and boaters are out this spring enjoying the best of San Diego.

But when it comes to boating safety, are you well-prepared? How well do you know your waters… and your boat?

This year and every year, we encourage boaters and beach-goers to take a training course in boat and water safety. For more information on boating safety including classes, visit San Diego County’s Boating Safety Website at http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/safety/boating.shtml.

The advice follows on the heels of a recent deadly boating accident on the northern shores of California in far-neighboring San Francisco. According to reports at ABC News on behalf of the Associated Press, a sailing accident turned deadly when a sailboat crashed into a channel marker buoy in the San Francisco Bay.  The boat, a 42-foot-long Catalina, sustained damage as the mast snapped off the vessel.

“We’re not sure if they were struck when the mast snapped off or they were injured by the jolt of the impact from the collision,” said a city official.

One person tragically died as a result of the accident and another was treated for injuries at a local hospital.

Reports indicate the sailboat was racing non-competitively in a local yacht club’s annual “Beer Can” event. Although the name sports an alcoholic theme, one of the yacht club members told ABC News that the name is misleading as drinking while racing is discouraged by the club. In this case, alcohol was not a factor according to reports and neither were weather conditions.

The sailboat was rescued by the U.S. Geological Survey before it was brought back to port. Tragically, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene and

“At this point, it appears to be a tragic accident,” said the official.

“We’re devastated,” said the yacht member. “We’re going to just take it one day at a time.”

SAFETY TIPS FOR SAN DIEGO BOATERS

Do you know your San Diego waters well? How well? Did you know…

  • General Vessel Speed, Mission Bay Vessel Speed and Ocean Vessel Speed are regulated? Understand the rules that regulate your speed. As the City of San Diego states, “No person may operate a vessel in excess of five (5) miles per hour within 1,000 feet of the oceanfront coastline of the City of San Diego. Separate boating regulations apply to Mission Bay.” Speed regulations ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and any potential swimmers around you.
  • Rules differ for beaching and anchoring depending on location? If you’re bringing your boat to shore, know the rules and regulations that govern beaching throughout the city of San Diego – and that’s true for anchoring your boat as well.
  • “Special Use Areas” exist throughout San Diego harbor? Did you know that Mission Bay has designated swimming areas, open speed areas, 5 mph areas, and special use areas? Sailors need to be cognizant of all designated areas throughout the city San Diego. If you’re unsure, brush up on your knowledge by clicking here.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in California, visit http://www.dbw.ca.gov/LawsRegs/

BOATING INJURIES IN SAN DIEGO

Unfortunately, boating accidents in San Diego happen every year. Countless injuries and even tragic deaths are attributed to unsafe boating or bad decision-making while aboard a water vessel. If you are injured as a result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation as well as other legal rights. Call a personal injury attorney today at 1-858-551-2090 to discuss your case FREE of charge.