The recent autopsy results of Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old woman who was killed in a boating accident in South Carolina, have highlighted the need for increased boater safety measures. Beach was killed in a boating accident on February 24, 2019, where she was thrown from the boat after it crashed into a bridge piling. The results of the autopsy reveal that Beach died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck, which is consistent with her being thrown from the boat and hitting a hard object.
The accident happened during a birthday outing for a group of teenagers on their way to a local restaurant. Beach was thrown from the boat along with six other passengers, all of whom were injured. Beach’s body was found by search and rescue teams the following day, about a mile from the accident site.
The investigation into the accident revealed that the boat driver, Paul Murdaugh, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He has since been charged with boating under the influence and is currently awaiting trial.
This tragic accident has highlighted the need for increased safety measures for boaters, especially among younger drivers. According to the United States Coast Guard, the leading cause of boating accidents is operator inattention or inexperience, often due to alcohol or drug use.
There are several measures that can be taken to improve safety on the water. One of the most important is enforcing the use of life jackets. In many states, it is required by law to have a life jacket on board for every passenger, but it is not always required to wear them. This needs to change. Life jackets save lives, and they should be worn at all times, especially by those who are not strong swimmers or are inexperienced boaters.
Another measure that can be taken is to increase education and training for boaters, especially for younger drivers. Many states require boater education courses for those operating watercrafts, but these courses often do not cover practical experience such as operating a boat at night or in rough waters. Increasing the amount of training and practical experience required for boaters can help prevent accidents.
Finally, there needs to be stricter enforcement of boating under the influence laws. In many states, the legal blood alcohol limit for boaters is higher than it is for drivers on the road. This needs to change. Boating under the influence is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, and the penalties for doing so should be just as severe.
In addition to these safety measures, there are also technological advances that can improve safety on the water. For example, there are new devices on the market that can detect when a boat is being operated by an intoxicated driver, and they can shut down the boat’s engine if necessary. This technology could be especially useful in preventing accidents caused by boating under the influence.
The tragic death of Mallory Beach is a reminder that boating can be just as dangerous as driving on the road. It is important for boaters to take safety seriously and to take all necessary precautions to ensure that they and their passengers are safe on the water.
In conclusion, the autopsy results of Mallory Beach highlight the need for increased boater safety measures, including the use of life jackets, increased education and training, stricter enforcement of boating under the influence laws, and the use of technological advances. By taking these measures seriously, we can help prevent accidents like the one that took Beach’s life and keep all boaters safe on the water.
