In high school I was an offensive tackle; in college I lined up as a defensive end. Having been fortunate enough to play football on both sides of the ball I can tell you without a doubt, playing defense is a lot more fun – at least from the perspective of this old lineman. Maybe if I ever got a chance to touch the ball I’d feel differently, but there is something about defending the end zone that I really enjoyed during my playing days.
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That same mindset has carried over to other areas of my life, including driving. Of course it’s important to be a good defensive driver when behind the wheel of a vehicle, but as a motorcycle enthusiast it’s actually crucial, as I’ve been on the defense of other drivers as a survival method for decades. If you’re not alert and ready to react at all times to someone who may not see you, riding a motorcycle can be even more dangerous than your mom predicted.
What does this have to do with boating? Well, I’m glad you asked. With new boaters everywhere, accident numbers are up, and even the most experienced boaters need to focus more on defensive driving than ever before.
In some states you can save 10 percent on your automobile insurance if you complete a defensive driving course and learn strategies to avoid accidents and minimize risks on the roadways. Wouldn’t it make sense that the concept of defensive driving would also be needed on the water right now, especially given new and troubling U.S. Coast Guard data about injuries and accidents?
During 2020 – a year that saw a 13-year high for boat sales and a dramatic increase in first-time boat buyers hitting the waterways – the number of accidents increased 26.3 percent, to 5,265. The number of nonfatal injuries was up 24.7 percent, to 3,191.
And the number of boating fatalities spiked 25.1 percent, to 767.
The causes of those accidents were often avoidable mistakes: drinking while driving, inattention, improper lookouts and excessive speed. Three-quarters of the fatal boating accident victims drowned, according to the Coast Guard report, and the majority of them were not wearing life jackets. At least 80 percent of deaths occurred on vessels whose operators had not received boating safety instruction. This is why I always recommend taking a boating safety course and BoatUS offers a great selection of online ones.
On a motorcycle, going on the defense is self-explanatory; on a boat, it’s not as clear. It may include adjusting how and where we go boating. For example, since a lot of inexperienced and uneducated boaters don’t typically cruise too far from the boat ramp or party spot, consider going out a little farther and exploring new coves and harbors to get away from the larger crowds. Another suggestion is to go boating when newer boaters are not as comfortable going out, such as when it’s a little windy.
One of the biggest ways to help yourself when going on the defense of other boaters is to simply slow down, especially around docks, near beaches or in tight channels. I’ve been surprised a few times by a paddleboarder or kayaker who cut right in front of me while I was cruising at a wake-less speed.
My final tip is to take the time to befriend newer boaters at the dock, and casually impart a little knowledge when appropriate and then position yourself to be safer on the water by thinking more defensively when you get behind the helm. Depending on your perspective, defense may or may not win championships, but defensive driving is a win/win for everyone.
