Thread: Rendering Aid Question

I don't know if it is in the Coast Guard Regulations or not but it sure is in our service manual we use at church. Bible
I cannot imagine humans sitting by watching someone in distress and not lend a helping hand.

Originally Posted by Fullthrottle

So, I was telling a friend of mine who is a charter captain down in Charleston about our boating wreck on Lake Norman. We got to the end of the story when he asked; "how many people saw it and how many boats came to help?" My response was that at least 8-10 boats saw the wreck, but only one guy in a canoe came over to help. He was in utter disbelief, and trust me at the time of the wreck I was too. There were no less than 4-5 boats with cell phones taking pictures and video, but no one came to render aid.
To his point and my question. He claims that there is a federal law that if you witness, or are in the area of a boating accident, you are required by law to render aid. Now that seems like a reasonable law, but I can't find any information on that on the USCG page. Not trying to get the boaters and fishermen in the area fined or in trouble, just wondering if anyone out there knows or can cite this law?

Thats terrible

Not sure if this applies or not.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/C...laskaGuide.pdf

Unfortunately people in general are under the impression that “someone will help” never realizing that they are someone and that they can help. I would not be able to sleep at night had I not at least made sure no one was injured and offered assistance.

Originally Posted by crappie happy pappy

I don't know if it is in the Coast Guard Regulations or not but it sure is in our service manual we use at church. Bible
I cannot imagine humans sitting by watching someone in distress and not lend a helping hand.

Sadly, a high number of people these days were not taught the same way we were and have very little knowledge of our manual. Common decency should kick in during a situation as described but there again, some folks, for whatever reason would rather ride the bench than get in the game.

If you search youtube, it seems far more people would rather record an incident than try to lend a helping hand. The good news is that there are still some that will spring into action in an effort to help.

I think too people are afraid if they help then they become responsible if something happens. People to commonly sue others even if trying to help them.

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

I think too people are afraid if they help then they become responsible if something happens. People to commonly sue others even if trying to help them.

Unfortunately, that is a real concern but there are laws in place to protect folks who genuinely try to help. Common sense should always be at the forefront but I refuse to set back and let someone perish because I'm afraid to help. Many states have these laws.

South Carolina Good Samaritan Law

SECTION 15-1-310.

Liability for emergency care rendered at scene of accident.

Any person, who in good faith gratuitously renders emergency care at the scene of an accident or emergency to the victim thereof, shall not be liable for any civil damages for any personal injury as a result of any act or omission by such person in rendering the emergency care or as a result of any act or failure to act to provide or arrange for further medical treatment or care for the injured person, except acts or omissions amounting to gross negligence or wilful or wanton misconduct.

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

I think too people are afraid if they help then they become responsible if something happens. People to commonly sue others even if trying to help them.

Working in healthcare, this constantly a topic of debate.
One of the older law enforcement officers when I told him that, he looked at the other officers and said; "been telling you boys, it's different time we are living in."