Lookout! – issue 14, September 2009

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The boat’s skipper was using a popular lake in the height of summer. He was travelling at about 27 knots when he ran over the child, who was waiting to be collected by her parents in their ski-boat after falling from her water-skis.

The nine-year-old water-skiier died after extensive injuries
to her upper legs caused by the boat’s hull and propeller.

She was taken to shore immediately after the accident, but died soon after of extensive injuries to her upper legs caused by the boat’s hull and propeller.

The skipper was convicted of operating a boat in a manner that caused unnecessary danger to another person. He was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and reparation of $20,000.

The skipper of this boat was travelling at 27 knots and
not keeping a proper lookout.

LOOKOUT! POINTS

1. This boatie was very experienced. He was operating alone in the height of summer on a popular lake. Water-skiers frequently follow a pattern of being upright on skis for a time, before falling into the water. The boatie had seen the child water-skiing, but had not kept a watch on her progress as he sped through the area.
   
   If he had kept an effective lookout he would have seen the child fall, and could have assumed that she must have been in the vicinity, floating in the water. The child, wearing a bright yellow lifejacket, was waiting with her skis pointed upward, and would have been easy to spot for anyone who was keeping an eye on her whereabouts
2. In court, the boatie said the collision had all happened so fast. Even though he was operating more than 200 metres from shore, it would have been prudent for him to reduce his speed significantly, until he was fully aware of where other lake users were.
3. Everyone on the water is required to travel at a safe speed at all times. This includes taking into account the amount of traffic, the visibility and glare from the water, and any other factors that could affect safety.
   
   Travelling more slowly provides greater time to check for dangers or take action, and reduces injury or damage if an accident occurs. With limited exceptions, the law is that all boats must not exceed 5 knots within 200 metres of the shore or within 50 metres of another boat.

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