No matter what the reason for your capsizing accident, it is vital to know what to do in the minutes and hours after your boat capsizes. In addition, learning the safety precautions to take before a capsizing incident can save you from boat accident injuries and boat accident fatalities.

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What To Do If Your Boat Capsizes | Washington State Boat Accident Attorney

What should you do if you are on a boat that capsizes? All Washington State boaters should know the answer to this question. Many of the boating fatalities in the state take place after a capsize, but a simple list of things to do before and after a capsize can minimize boat accidents and boat accident injuries.

First and foremost, there is an important list of things to do before you even step on the boat:

• Take boat safety and water safety courses.
• Make sure that you and everyone else on the boat is wearing a well-fitting and secured life jacket.
• Go over the location of safety items with everyone on the boat, including the location of the boat’s horn and the boat’s flares.
• Also make sure that everyone is familiar with the planned route.
• Tell a friend or family member not going on the trip your planned route and your planned return time.
• Paint the hull of your boat a bright color so that it can be seen more easily from the air.

After a capsize, there are other important steps to make:

• Remain calm
• Do a head count and check everyone for injuries or immediate dangers.
Make sure everyone has a floatation device, knowing that coolers and other items can be used. Do not leave the capsized boat unless it is dangerous.
• Try to right the boat if you have knowledge on how to do so.
• Use signaling devices to call for help. Flares, brightly colored life jackets, whistles, flashlights, and mirrors can help.
• If you know it may be a while before you are found, conserve energy and only signal when needed. Try to keep warm and stay strong.

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Bellevue
10655 NE 4th Street
Suite 208
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 289-1990
Fax: (425) 289-1991
Toll Free: (800) 636-3676
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Tacoma
3848 S. Junett
Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 682-2000
Toll Free: (800) 636-3676
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Offices

Bellevue
10655 NE 4th Street
Suite 208
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 289-1990
Fax: (425) 289-1991
Toll Free: (800) 636-3676

Tacoma
3848 S. Junett
Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 682-2000
Toll Free: (800) 636-3676

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