Common Boating Accident Injuries and How to Seek Compensation in Ontario

Boating is a cherished pastime for many people in Ontario. With the dreary and icy winter now behind us, many of us look forward to spending some relaxing time out on the waves. When you are out there this summer, it is critical that you understand the risks you face while boating, and that you know your rights in case something goes wrong.

Boating accidents can result in a range of injuries.

• First and foremost, and perhaps most obviously, there is always a risk of drowning while in the water. Often, this is due to not wearing a life jacket, also called a personal flotation device or PFD. In 2024, the Lifesaving Society reported that 86% of boating-related drowning incidents occurred when people were not wearing a PFD.
• Another common boating injury is a traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI or concussion. In the context of boating, TBIs can be caused by collisions or falls, and can lead to long-term impairments including headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and cognitive difficulties.
• High-impact boating accidents can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. Depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury, victims of spinal cord injuries may suffer paraplegia (paralysis of the legs) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).
• Generally, impacts due to boating accidents can also cause less significant injuries than those discussed above, including fractures and lacerations.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, it is important to understand your rights. In Ontario, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit against the person or persons responsible for the accident.

Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, the cost of future medical care, and any other out-of-pocket expenses you would not have incurred but for the accident.

After a boating accident, even if your injuries seem minor, make sure to consult your family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic for a check-up. Consult a personal injury lawyer to explain what your rights are, to guide you through the legal process, and to potentially help you secure the compensation you deserve.

To minimize the risk of injuries while you’re out on the boat this summer, make sure everyone on board wears a properly fitted life jacket or PFD. Avoid operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Check weather forecasts before you leave in order to avoid hazardous conditions. Carry safety equipment, including flares, a whistle or horn, and a first aid kit. Always follow navigation rules and local waterway regulations. At nighttime, do not operate your boat without a navigation light.

Stay safe on the water this summer, and if you need legal advice after a boating accident, we’re here to help.