Boating Fatality Statistics Don't Lie

The 2007 California Boating Safety Report says 39 of the 55 people who died in boating accidents were not wearing lifejackets. Of the fatalities, 20 involved alcohol. This is just in the state of California, where in 2007 804 accidents occurred. Put that number together with the rest of the nation, and there should be enough evidence to convict boaters to wear lifejackets while boating, and skip the alcohol until they return to the dock.

So, why don't we wear our lifejackets, and why do we continue to drink while boating, although the evidence shows this is foolhardy at best? Complacency. More than any other factor, I believe complacency among boaters is the number one cause of boating fatalities - and I have my own numbers to prove it.

Each week, I send out a boating newsletter to over 1,100 recipients. I get statistics back that show me if the topic was popular or not. Whenever I send out a newsletter focused on boating safety topics, or otherwise attempt to educate boaters about important topics like Navigation Rules, my reports show a dismally low amount of interest from my readers. Boaters seem uninterested in educating themselves about boating safety. Or they think they already know it.

Unless you are a licensed Captain, you still have a long way to go to know all there is to know about boating. If you have taken a course or two, and feel pretty comfortable with your boating skills, then turn around and offer your knowledge to other boaters, and be an advocate of boating safety. Safe boating is a life-long pursuit.

Boating Safety Best Practices

New to Boating

Reasons to Wear a Lifejacket While Boating

Choosing and Using a Lifejacket

Drinking and Boating - Don't do it!