What is the recommended action if you encounter a boating accident?

Reporting the accident to the authorities while providing assistance, if safe, is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that emergency services can respond quickly to anyone who may be injured and require medical attention. Timely reporting helps authorities manage the situation effectively and gather necessary information for any investigations that may follow.

Additionally, providing assistance can help to stabilize victims and prevent further injury, assuming you are trained and able to do so without jeopardizing your own safety. This proactive approach reflects responsible boating behavior and adherence to legal obligations, which often stipulate that individuals involved in a boating accident must assist others involved whenever possible.

Leaving the scene, failing to report, or waiting for someone else to take action does not only compromise the safety of those affected but also can lead to legal repercussions for the bystanders who do not fulfill their responsibility in emergency situations. Taking photographs for insurance purposes, while potentially useful, should not take precedence over the immediate need for assistance and reporting.