Do you know “what is the primary cause of boating fatalities?” Boating can be an enjoyable activity, but you should remember that outdoor activities come inherent risks. Boating fatalities account for a substantial number of accidental deaths each year. Therefore, understanding the leading cause of these tragedies could help you stay safe while out on the water.
What is the primary cause of boating fatalities
In this blog post, Scott Ewart takes a look at what is usually considered responsible for boating fatalities. We also discuss the most typical vessel types that resulted in a fatal collision. At the end of the post, everyone may do something to prevent boat accidents in the future.
What is the primary cause of boating fatalities?
What is the main cause of most fatal boating accidents? There are some reasons why boating fatalities occur. Here are the most common ones:
Drowning
Drowning
According to Recreational Boating Report 2020: “The obvious answer on the leading type of boating deaths is drowning. During the period 2005 – 2020, 82% of all victims were not wearing a PFD.” These figures are stark reminders of how vital water safety is. Moreover, how important it is to wear proper protective gear when enjoying aquatic activities.
Without using a life jacket or personal floatation device
Without using a life jacket or personal floatation device.
The easiest and most important way to keep from drowning in a boating accident is to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
The personal flotation device may include a wearable inflatable bladder that is selectively adjustable into a retaining configuration that fits to a wearer and into a loosened configuration that is removable from the wearer.
Source: https://patents.google.com/
Important reminder: An emergency won’t give you time to put on your life jacket or PFD. With severe gusts, waves, or cold water, lifejackets and PFDs are hard to put on after falling into water.
Drug or alcohol use
Drug or alcohol use
It is never safe to drive a boat while drunk or high, and it greatly increases the chance of an accident.
Other causes of causing deadly boat accidents
Other causes of causing deadly boat accidents
Besides the above information that answer the question, “What is the leading cause of death in boating accidents?” We also have some other reasons:
Explosions and fires
They are another type of fatal boating accident. The most common cause of explosions and fires on boats is a lack of proper maintenance or fuel system issues.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can kill if there isn’t enough air flow. Carbon monoxide is often made by boats’ engines, and if the gas builds up, it can kill people if there isn’t a good way to get rid of it.
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer since it has no colour or smell.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Boater inexperience
Inexperience is also a major cause of boating fatalities. Many people jump into boats without enough knowledge about navigation rules. Or they also lack of information about safety regulations. Moreover, operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed are also the common reasons.
In short, what is the cause of most fatal boating accidents? There are many causes of unfortunate events and undesirable consequences. Therefore, you need to how to prevent boating accidents to protect yourself when participating in activities at sea.
Kinds of accident causes the most boating deaths
Kinds of accident causes the most boating deaths
Overturned, capsizing, or stranded boats
These kinds of accidents can happen if the vehicle isn’t well maintained, if the weather is bad, or if the driver isn’t careful. It’s important to make sure your boat is properly maintained and that you follow all safety procedures when out on the water.
Falling down water
Water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are activities that can be dangerous if you don’t take safety precautions. When doing these things, it’s important to wear a life jacket and follow all local rules about them.
Flooding
There are also different types of causes for boating fatalities. Flooding occurs when a boat capsizes or sinks due to a leak or from being overloaded with cargo and/or passengers. Strong winds can also create waves that make it difficult for inexperienced captains to keep the vessel stable, leading to a capsize or sinking.
Collision with another boat
Accidents involving two boats are usually the result of one operator’s negligence. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings while operating a boat and to always follow the rules of the waterway.
Crashes into a fixed object
Collisions with fixed objects like docks, buoys, and rocks are the third most common cause of boating deaths. To avoid these kinds of accidents, it’s important to pay attention while you’re out on the water and to make sure that you know where you’re going.
Nonfatal boating accident injuries
Nonfatal boating accident injuries
These accidents can also have a long-lasting effect on people’s lives. This can include physical injuries such as:
- Broken bones or deep lacerations
- Psychological trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety,
- Pneumonia
- Comatose
- Brain injury
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Typical vessel types that resulted in a fatal collision
Typical vessel types that resulted in a fatal collision
Motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats are the three types get into fatal accidents the most often. In the past few years, these three types of boats have become more popular, especially motorboats and personal watercraft. This is because recreational boating has become more popular.
In short, is boating dangerous? The answer might be yes or no. So, know how to equip yourself with important knowledge and skills for the safest trip!
FAQs What is the primary cause of boating fatalities?
What is the predominant cause of deaths connected to small boats?
The major cause of fatalities involving small boats is falling overboard and drowning.
What accounts for 40% of boating deaths?
Up to 40% of all boating deaths are caused by people drinking alcohol.
What is Florida’s leading cause of boating fatalities?
Most boating deaths in Florida happen when someone falls overboard and drowns because they weren’t wearing a PFD.
In what areas are most boating collisions likely to take place?
Far more accidents take place in ocean and bay areas compared to those that occur in rivers or lakes.
Conclusion
What is the primary cause of boating fatalities? Boating fatalities are most often caused by drowning. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to prevent drowning if you find yourself in the water without a boat. Moreover, there are a lot of reasons mentioned in the post above. Taking a boating safety course is also recommended so that you know what to do in an emergency situation. Have you taken a boating safety course? Do you always wear a life jacket when you’re out on the water? Please let justaddwaterbda.com know in the comments!
