Important Statistics for U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety
In the 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed that there were 767 boating fatalities all over the country that year. That was a 25.1 percent increase from the previous year.
The number of non-fatal injuries in boating accidents also increased by 24.7 percent. Boating activities increased during the pandemic, as evidenced by reports of higher boat sales, insurance claims, and calls for towing assistance, among others. This means there’s also a greater risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Now, our boat accident attorney shares other important statistics that have to do with boating safety:
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
18 percent of fatalities in boating accidents are caused by alcohol.
The number of deaths on recreational boats has gone up by 25% in the last year, with the highest rate in the program’s recent history being 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.
Property damage in 2020 totaled $62.5 million.
The most common causes of accidents were found to be operator inattention, lack of knowledge, inadequate surveillance, traveling too fast, and mechanical faults.
Captain Scott Johnson, the head of the Boating and Auxiliary Safety division of the United States Coast Guard, noted a variety of recent incidents where boaters purchased a boat but failed to adequately prepare for the voyage by taking the necessary safety measures.
Most people who died in boating accidents were found to have drowned–75 percent of those where the cause of death was known. Almost all of the people who drowned and whose life jacket usage was reported (86 percent) were not wearing a life jacket.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of always having a life jacket ready to use while boating. He stresses that they should properly function, fit well, and securely fasten. The Coast Guard highly recommends that boaters adhere to these safety precautions.
The Importance of Boat Safety
Seventy-seven percent of deaths that occurred while boating happened to people who had not taken a boating safety course. The Coast Guard advises all boaters to take a boating safety class that meets the National Boating Education Standards before they go out on the water.
When it comes to accidents reported, the three vessels most frequently involved are open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. Of these, the type of boat with the highest number of fatalities is an open motorboat (50%), followed by kayaks (15%) and pontoons (9%).
This report contains information about incidents with serious consequences, such as death, disappearance, injuries requiring medical attention, significant property damage, or vessel loss.
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to be careful while they are out on the water. Everyone should wear a life jacket, learn how to boat safely by taking a boating safety course, make sure the engine cut-off switch is attached to the boat, have their vessel inspected for safety, and never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Conclusion
When driving a boat, it is important to always be aware and responsible. If you drink alcohol, drive carelessly, or go too fast, you are putting yourself and others in danger of serious accidents with the possibility of death. It is important to pay attention and be aware of your surroundings to avoid any dangerous situations.
If you have been injured or someone you care about has been hurt in a boating accident, speaking to an experienced boat accident attorney is important.
The boat accident attorneys at Avard Law have the knowledge and expertise to evaluate your claim and work to get you the compensation you deserve. They will be able to assess the extent of your injuries, the losses you have incurred and determine whether you have a valid claim. Schedule an appointment today!