Boating Safety

As the 2015 is coming to a close, the U.S Coast Guard will post its record of boating accidents for this year. If they are as grim as in 2014, it should make all boaters more focused on boating safety.

In 2014 the Coast Guard counted 4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths, 2,678 Injuries and approximately $39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. The fatality rate was 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels; representing a 10.6% increase from the previous year’s fatality rate of 4.7 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. the number of accidents increased 0.05%, the number of
deaths increased 8.9%, and the number of injuries increased 2.2%. 78% of known fatalities from boating accidents victims drowned; and 84% were not wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and eight out of every ten boaters who drown were on boats less than 21 feet in length.

Obviously, this is a trend that doesn’t need to be repeated or exceeded. Statistics show that only 12% percent of deaths occurred on boats where those aboard received an approved boating safety education course and certificate.

Causes of these fatalities include Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed; but alcohol use is the leading contributor in fatal boating accidents. Children are especially at risk; 57% of children drowned were wearing life jackets, and the highest percentage of deaths was in open motorboats (47%), canoes (13%), and kayaks (10%).

Those are grim reminders that, when boating, you’re in an alien environment. “Familiarity breeds contempt” the saying goes, and forgetting or ignoring the basic common sense rules can be fatal. Common sense also says you’re only as secure as your boat is. Protective canvas coverings from CMC Canvas LLC can help you get home again.