Trace summer accident times by boat – It can be an unpleasant summer

– Unfortunately we believe there will be more injuries this year.

This is stated by communications manager Bjarne Rysstad in Gjensidige, and is supported by colleagues in the insurance industry. They believe this in light of the special situation we are in.

Due to the crown pandemic, travel restrictions and fear of further infection, Norwegians will be taking their vacation home in Norway this summer. And then, probably, the sea becomes a favorite destination for much more than usual.

– Significantly higher risk

Among other things, a record number of boat ads have been reported in Finn.no this year, in a season where interest in getting a boat has never been greater.

– It can be an unpleasant summer at sea, says Ole Irgens at Tryg Forsikring.

The communications manager notes that subsidies and basic payments increase year after year. And with even more untrained captains, he fears the damage of the weather in the water.

– When leaving many people without training at sea, the risk of accidents increases significantly. It is also narrow, with many boats and few places to be. Irgens emphasizes that it requires you to do what you do while you are sober.

Lacks knowledge

Gjensidige’s own boat expert Jan Egil Hektoen believes that many Norwegians are good at sea, but adds that there are many inexperienced drivers.

– It will be strengthened this year. Therefore, it is important that you take responsibility for updating your knowledge, especially when it comes to navigation, Dinside says.

Tryg believes that all boaters must have the proper training and certification before they are allowed to go out to sea. Furthermore, they believe that the limit limit should be lowered.

At the end of last year, the government stated that the allowed limit on a ship should not be touched. It’s still at 0.8, versus 0.2 by car.

“It is ironic that the ships have never had more electronic aid, but that several continue,” explains Ole Irgens.

– New record year

In recent years there have been an increasing number of accidents involving boats, while the insurance industry has paid large sums in compensation.

“Super Summer” 2018 was the second worst year for recreational boat damage payments, with NOK 552 million paid, according to figures from Finans Norge. In 2017, the corresponding figure was 492 million, while in 2019 it was 507 million.

– We fear 2020 is a new record year, where we can see payments of up to NOK 600 million, says Irgens.

It depends on the weather

However, Sigmund Clementz of the IF insurance company emphasizes that the Norwegians’ departure route by boat is also highly dependent on the weather.

– In good weather, history shows that injury numbers can increase. But the numbers increase mainly because there are several in the sea at the same time and several use their boat, explains the information manager.

– But that should not prevent people from being at sea. They should only be careful and use their heads when they are in the boat. Either way, people deserve to enjoy now, he says.