Boating Facts

*Most boating mishaps are caused by operators of boats rather than the boat, equipment, or weather.

*Approximately 79% of boating-related deaths occur on inland waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

*Drowning continues to be the # 1 cause of deaths in boating accidents. Approximately 80% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. Less than 23% of boaters in all boating groups wear life jackets. More than 60% of boating fatalities result from capsizing, falling overboard, or flooding/swamping.

*Fatality rates decrease significantly when a boater has some boater education. Eighty-eight percent of fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not taken a boater education course.

*Open motorboats have the highest overall number of fatalities (approximately half).

*Canoes and kayaks have high numbers of fatalities due to drowning. Personal watercraft (PWCs) have a relatively high fatality rate due to trauma.

*Roughly one-third of recreational fatalities occur while boaters are engaged in fishing activities. A smaller number die while hunting from a boat.

Material obtained from the National Safe Boating Council

For more information please call (213) 351-7888

Last modified on 09/26/2008 .