When you’re on a boat, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. This includes knowing what is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard and how to prevent it from happening. It’s a topic that is often overlooked until a fun day on the water takes a dangerous turn.
If you or someone you know has been a person overboard, the Houston boating accident attorneys at Reich & Binstock are ready to help. We understand that boating accidents can leave you dealing with overwhelming medical bills and emotional trauma, which is why we want to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries and losses.
Call (713) 622-7271 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Houston personal injury attorney today.
What Does It Mean to Fall Overboard?
When you hear about someone falling overboard, it means they’ve accidentally fallen or been thrown from a boat into the water. This can happen while the boat is moving or even if it’s stationary, but the risk is significantly higher on a moving boat. Whether you’re on a small boat or a large ship, falling overboard is a serious situation that can happen to anyone.
A “man overboard” scenario can be caused by several factors—maybe the boat hits a wave, someone loses their balance, or the deck is slippery. Recognizing the dangers and knowing what to do if someone falls overboard is essential for safety on the water.
Most Dangerous Lakes in Texas
These Texas lakes are the most common waters where person-overboard situations occur. They are a major cause of death in the state, even when the victims wear life jackets and follow safety tips, such as the three points of contact rule. In many of these lakes, you’ll want to do everything to prevent falling overboard, as even strong swimmers and even navy service members have died in waters like Lake Conroe.
Lake Conroe (Montgomery County)
- Deadliest lake in Texas with 74+ deaths in the last 10 years
- Many boaters, with both large and small boat traffic
- Underwater hazards
- Sudden changes to bad weather conditions
- Popular recreation spot near Houston, which is a major cause of those who fall overboard
To learn more about why Lake Conroe is so dangerous, contact our attorneys.
Lake Travis (Travis County)
- 15+ fatalities annually on average
- Extreme depth variations (up to 210 feet)
- Cliff jumping accidents, underwater rock formations
- Heavy holiday congestion, increasing fall-overboard events
Lake Lewisville (Denton County)
- High bacteria levels, numerous drownings
- Hidden underwater structures from the old town
- Strong weekend boating traffic
Canyon Lake (Comal County)
- Multiple drownings annually
- Steep drop-offs, strong underwater currents
- Cold water temperatures year-round
- Significant boat wake turbulence near narrow channels
Lake Ray Hubbard (Dallas County)
- Consistent deaths from falling overboard each year
- Sudden storms, murky water conditions
- Heavy boat traffic
Possum Kingdom Lake (Palo Pinto County)
- Deep water, rocky cliffs
- Hell’s Gate area is particularly difficult to avoid falling overboard
- Multiple cliff-jumping fatalities
- Strong crosswinds in narrow sections cause small boat instability
Lake Texoma (Grayson County)
- Large size creates hazardous conditions
- Strong winds, large waves
- Border disputes complicate coast guard rescue efforts when a person falls overboard
Grapevine Lake (Tarrant/Denton Counties)
- Hidden underwater hazards
- Sudden depth changes
- High traffic of smaller boats
Lake Amistad (Val Verde County)
- Remote location delays coast guard rescue response
- Extreme depths (up to 217 feet)
- Sharp rock walls increase injuries when a victim falls overboard
Lake Livingston (Polk County)
- Floating debris, submerged timber
- Alligator population
Most Dangerous Rivers in Texas
Rio Grande
- Strong undercurrents, shifting channels
- Remote areas with no rescue access
- Human trafficking dangers
Trinity River
- The highest death rate among Texas rivers
- Urban pollution, debris
- Flash flooding in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
- Hidden underwater hazards
Brazos River
- Unpredictable flooding
- Strong currents after rain
- Quicksand in certain areas
- 840 miles of varying dangers
Colorado River
- Multiple deadly dams and cold water releases
- Deceptive currents
- Popular tubing spots with hidden rocks
Guadalupe River
- Many boaters, leading to accidents
- Rapid water level changes
- Slippery rocks, hydraulics
- Alcohol-related incidents common
San Marcos River
- Deceptively swift currents
- Crowded conditions increase risk
- Low-water dams create deadly machines
- Year-round cold temperatures
Comal River
- Shortest river, but heavily trafficked
- Tube chutes create pile-ups
- Concrete channels, bridges
- Overcrowding injuries
Frio River
- Flash flood-prone
- Remote areas with poor cell service
- Slippery cypress roots
- Deep pools with undertows
Devils River
- Extremely remote location
- No cell service for emergencies
- Flash flooding
- Difficult access for rescue
Pecos River
- High salinity causes buoyancy issues
- Remote desert location
- Flash flooding
- Unstable banks
How Can Negligence Lead to Falling Overboard?
Negligence is perhaps the most common cause of someone falling overboard. When boaters fail to maintain safety standards while operating their boats, it can put everyone on board at risk.
Texas boating laws are designed to prevent boating accidents, but not everyone follows the rules. Whether it’s due to poor decision-making, ignoring weather conditions, or reckless behavior, boater negligence can have serious consequences.
If you or someone you know has fallen overboard due to someone else’s carelessness, our Texas dive boat accident lawyers are here to help.
Inclement Weather and Water Conditions
Boating in bad weather conditions is a prime example of negligence, especially if the boat’s operator ignores weather warnings.
High winds, rough waters, and sudden storms can easily cause smaller boats, like sailboats, to capsize and throw passengers overboard. Larger vessels, like cruise ships, have also been known to push through bad weather to avoid missing out on profits at the next port, which can put passengers at serious risk.
If a “man overboard” situation occurs due to such decisions, the boat’s operator or company could be held liable. A skilled Texas cruise ship accident lawyer will work with relevant parties, like the Coast Guard, to determine if negligence was involved.
Boating Under the Influence
Alcohol is another major factor when it comes to negligence on the water. A drunk boat operator or even passengers being overserved alcohol can greatly increase the risk of someone falling overboard.
When under the influence, your reaction time is slow, and it’s much harder to maintain balance, especially on small boats. Passengers may lose their footing or stumble because they aren’t on solid ground, and a drunk driver can crash the boat due to delayed reaction times.
While it’s common for alcohol to be served during a day on the water, it’s important to remember that negligent alcohol consumption can easily result in someone going overboard.
Recklessness
When someone operates a boat recklessly, like driving at maximum speeds or turning sharply, it can be extremely dangerous.
People standing or sitting at the front (bow) or back (stern) of the boat can lose their balance because of the sudden movements. This makes it easy for passengers to fall overboard, especially on small boats where balancing everyone’s weight is crucial.
Also, the strong pull from turning sharply at a high speed can shift weight around quickly, increasing the risk of the boat capsizing.
What Injuries Can Occur if a Person Falls Overboard?
When a person falls overboard, there’s a serious risk of injury. Whether you’re on small or larger boats, falling overboard can result in head trauma, back or spinal cord damage, drowning, or even wrongful death.
Below, we’ll break down the most common injuries caused by falling overboard and what you should know about each one:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are a severe type of injury that can result from boating accidents. If you fall overboard and hit your head on the boat or other hard surfaces, the impact can cause bleeding or swelling of the brain. In some cases, the injury may not be immediately visible but can still be life-threatening.
A Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options if you or a loved one suffered a brain injury from falling overboard.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
If you are thrown from a boat at high speeds or fall overboard from a larger vessel, you could suffer serious back or spinal cord injuries. The hard impact from hitting the water or nearby structures can cause significant damage to the spine, potentially leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
A spinal cord injury attorney in Houston can assist in seeking compensation for these life-altering injuries after falling overboard.
Drowning Accidents
Drowning is a major cause of fatalities in boating accidents. When a boat capsizes or a person falls overboard, they are at serious risk of drowning, especially if they are not wearing a personal flotation device. Even experienced swimmers can struggle in this situation.
A drowning accident lawyer in Houston can help if you have suffered in a drowning accident due to negligence.
Wrongful Death
In the most severe cases, a boating accident can result in wrongful death. When a victim dies due to another person’s negligence, such as reckless boat driving or failure to provide safety gear, it’s considered a wrongful death case.
In these devastating situations, a Houston wrongful death attorney can help families hold the responsible parties accountable for their loved one’s death and pursue compensation for their losses.
What Should You Do If Someone Falls Overboard?
If a person falls overboard, follow these steps:
- Shout “man overboard” to immediately alert everyone on the boat.
- Use the engine cut-off switch to quickly stop the boat and prevent the propeller from injuring the person in the water.
- Throw a personal flotation device, like a life ring, to help keep the person afloat until they can be safely brought back on board.
- Keep the overboard person in sight at all times, as it can be easy to lose track of them, especially in rough waters.
- Call the Coast Guard as soon as possible to report the emergency and request professional assistance for the rescue.
After the incident, it’s a good idea to contact a Houston boating accident attorney if negligence, unsafe conditions, or reckless actions contributed to the accident, as they can help you through the legal process and pursue compensation.
How to Prevent Falling Overboard
It’s important to follow proper safety measures to avoid falling overboard, especially on small boats where balance is more difficult to maintain. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear personal flotation devices like life jackets to protect yourself in case of an unexpected fall.
- Keep three points of contact with the boat—either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand—to maintain balance and stability. This is key to preventing falls overboard.
- Pay attention to weight distribution. Uneven weight, especially on small boats, can affect stability and cause sudden shifts in gravity.
- Be familiar with the layout of the boat, and avoid moving around when the boat is in motion.
- Keep safety gear and personal flotation devices within easy reach for emergencies.
Contact a Texas Boating Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Falling overboard is a life-threatening situation that can lead to serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident due to negligence, it’s important to seek legal help.
The skilled personal injury lawyers at Reich & Binstock have extensive experience handling boating accident cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (713) 622-7271 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
