With the Spokane River, Lake Spokane (Long Lake), Newman Lake, and neighboring Lake Coeur d’Alene, Eastern Washington and North Idaho attract thousands of recreational boaters each summer. Unfortunately, increased watercraft traffic correlates directly with devastating boating collisions, propeller strikes, and drowning incidents.
Leading Causes of Recreational Boating Collisions
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Coast Guard incident reports highlight consistent risk factors leading to catastrophic watercraft accidents:
- Operator Inattention & Lack of Proper Lookout: Failing to monitor surrounding vessels, swimmers, water skiers, or navigational hazards.
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater is illegal under RCW 79A.60.040 and dramatically impairs judgment and reaction time.
- Excessive Speed in Wake Zones: Creating dangerous wakes that capsize smaller vessels, kayaks, or personal watercraft (PWC).
- Inexperienced or Unlicensed Operators: Violations of Washington Boater Education card requirements.
Legal Recourse for Injured Passengers & Swimmers
Injured victims can pursue compensation for emergency medical transport, surgeries, lost wages, and pain and suffering from negligent boat operators and their marine liability insurance policies.