As temperatures begin to rise and spring begins to take hold of Pennsylvania, many locals are beginning to take their boats back out onto the state’s waterways. It is important to remember though; an increase in the volume of boats on the water can result in an increase in boating accidents.

A Pennsylvania boat accident that occurred earlier this week was one of the first of the year.  Reports indicate a boater went missing following a crash that occurred on the waters of the Delaware River.

Witnesses told NBC 10 News the victim’s watercraft struck a wake from a passing tugboat, went airborne, and then went back into the water nose first. The impact ejected the boat’s operator from the vessel and he has yet to be found.

The incident leaves many boaters wondering what they can do to stay safe on the water this year. The Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers with Lundy Law explain there are three keys to safe boating that include:

• Wear a Lifejacket– Every person on board a watercraft should have a properly fitting life preserver on when the boat is in motion.
• Get Educated– Most states require boaters to pass safety courses before they can legally operate a vessel. These courses offer instruction on proper maintenance, navigation, and basic emergency processes.
• Don’t Drink and Boat– Many boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol as a contributing factor. Anyone driving a boat should refrain from consuming alcohol, as it is against the law.