Fall Fun: Whatever Floats your Boat

Many people don’t realize that fall is actually the best season to boating out on the waterways due to the decline in the number of boaters during the season. This means that lakes, rivers and other bodies of water aren’t very crowded. Some feel as if they cannot afford this little luxury, but it is actually possible to rent a boat to have fun during the season.

There are plenty of great boating events around the country during the fall, but it is important to remember to stay safe while enjoying these events. Our Atlanta personal injury attorney warns that almost half of all boating accidents are related to alcohol or drug use so it is important to act responsibly and watch out for other boaters who may be impaired or distracted.


Fall Leaf Cruise

The Fall Leaf Cruise takes place in Georgia at Lake Lanier every November. Participants enjoy a nice lunch at the Gainesville Marina and then board their boats for a trip up the lake and participate in a raft-up. For those who don’t know, a raft-up is when multiple boats are roped together to form a sort of flotilla that is raft-like in nature. Boaters get to enjoy the fall colors around Lake Lanier and socialize with like minded boaters.

River Town Paddle

Fall isn’t just about hitting the water on motorboats, and those at Milton State Park in Pennsylvania know this. The River Town Paddle takes place in September and allows individuals to kayak along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Milton State Park is also a haven for waterfowl and migrating birds, so visitors will be able to enjoy every aspect of nature.

Tennessee River Gorge

 The Tennessee River Gorge doesn’t need special events to be pleasing for people who want to enjoy a nice boat ride. The Tennessee River Gorge was rated as the top fall boating spot in 2009. Boaters are able to navigate twenty-five miles of the Tennessee River cutting directly through the Cumberland Mountains. The beauty of the area is likely to make people not want to go home.

Boating Safety Tips

It is important to always remember certain boating safety tips. There are other boaters on the water, so there is always a chance of an accident occurring. Unlike highways, there aren’t lanes drawn out on rivers.

• Stay Mindful of Other Boats

It is important to keep an eye out on other boats in the water. Around half of all boating accidents are caused by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, so be careful.

• Wear Life Jackets

It seems like an overly stated rule, but ninety percent of drowning victims aren’t wearing personal floatation devices (PFD). Make sure everyone in the boat is wearing a PFD.

• VHF Radio

Many boating trips take individuals out of cell phone range, and these phones are useless if dropped in the water. VHF radios, however, allow communication with rescuers if the need ever arises.

• Watch for Debris

Numerous boating accidents are caused by floating or submerged debris. Don’t go so fast that stopping or changing direction is impossible if a log becomes noticeable in the water.

Fall is a great time of the year for family and friends to head out onto the waterways. The placid and serene nature of the season combines with a lack of summer crowds to make the activity especially enjoyable. Boating, however, is just like any other activity; it is important to practice proper safety measures to ensure an enjoyable time free of any accidents. Following the rules of the waterway will make any of the aforementioned fall events an experience to be remembered.

Shelby Warden is a legal researcher that contributes articles for the Atlanta personal injury attorney team at Buddoo & Associates. The firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured clients and their families. If you have suffered injuries due to someone else's actions, their personal injury experts will work hard to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve from the negligent parties.