Swimming in or around a marina could be very unsafe for patrons. Marinas typically prohibit people from swimming anywhere around the premises, and they have several good reasons to. Here are a few examples of why people should never swim in a marina.
There May Be Contaminants in the Water
Marinas are a common site of environmental hazards in the water .They are located at the water’s edge where pollutants may wash up. Also, some marinas allow owners to fuel their vessels in their slips. OC marina insurance can offer protection against loss and liability from pollution, but this coverage may not necessarily address a person’s bodily harm. Ultimately, people should not swim in an area where pollutants may pose a health risk.
Boaters Are Not Expecting Swimmers to Be There
OC marina insurance providers and marina operators often advise marinas to post signs prohibiting swimming. It is unlikely that boaters would watch for people swimming in a place where swimming is not allowed. When they pull in and out of slips, they could easily strike a swimmer.
Swimmers Can Cause Accidents
If a boater sees a swimmer in his or her path, it may be necessary to make a quick maneuver in order to avoid striking that person. In an area where vessels are in close proximity to one another and have to move carefully, a quick turn may lead to a collision.
Improperly Moored Vessels May Move
Can you swim in a marina safely if boats are not coming in or out? In the absence of any traffic, it is still dangerous. If someone has not properly secured a vessel to a pile or dock, it could become loose. An unmoored vessel can move very suddenly and drift in any direction that the current takes it. A person swimming in a marina may think that a vessel is stationary when in fact it could move at any time.
Propeller Blades are Dangerous
Aside from the serious bodily harm that could result from being struck by a vessel, the prospect of coming into contact with a propeller blade should deter people from swimming near a marina. Someone operating a motorized boat is unlikely to hear people alerting him or her to their presence over the noise generated by a motor. Also, the high speeds at which many motorized boats operate could make it more difficult to see a head in the water, particularly if a boater has no reason to suspect that a person would be there.
Ultimately, people should swim somewhere safe instead of risking their safety and other people’s by swimming in a marina. If boaters happen to see someone swimming in a marina, they should advise them that what they are doing is very dangerous.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
