10 Common Legal Terms All Non-Lawyers Should Know
10 Common Legal Terms All Non-Lawyers Should Know
November 29, 2022
Understanding What Assumption of Risk Means
Understanding What Assumption of Risk Means
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10 Common Legal Terms All Non-Lawyers Should Know
10 Common Legal Terms All Non-Lawyers Should Know
November 29, 2022
Understanding What Assumption of Risk Means
Understanding What Assumption of Risk Means
December 7, 2022

Important Boating Accident Statistics Everyone Should Know

Boating is a relaxing and exhilarating hobby, but one that carries some risk with it. Equip yourself with knowledge before you board a boat—here are a few crucial boating accident statistics you should know. Don’t let these facts scare you, but don’t neglect them, either.

Drowning Is the Leading Cause of Death

In 2020, the US Coast Guard put out its annual Recreational Boating Statistics Report. They collected data regarding all boating fatalities that year and found that drowning was the cause of death in 79 percent of cases. Of those who drowned, 86 percent of them were not wearing life jackets.

Boating Fatalities Rose During COVID

Spending time on a boat is a great way to maintain social distance from others. However, boating safety should still be a top priority.

The boating industry saw a great deal of growth during the early days of COVID. Subsequently, the Coast Guard reported that boat-related fatalities rose by 25.1 percent during the first year of the COVID pandemic.

Alcohol Is a Top Contributing Factor

Nobody should be operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol. In fact, the same laws and penalties apply to BUI as to DUI.

The Coast Guard’s annual reports found that alcohol use is a contributing factor in many boating-related deaths. In 2019, alcohol was the primary contributing factor in 23 percent of boating deaths; in 2020, it contributed to 18 percent of deaths.

Have you recently lost a loved one in a boating accident and suspect the captain’s alcohol use contributed to the death? Tell your story to an Idaho lawyer who specializes in wrongful deaths; their legal advice can shape the future of your case.

Lack of Education Can Be Fatal

The Coast Guard’s 2020 report found that improper—or nonexistent—boating safety education contributed to 77 percent of boat-related fatalities. When an emergency occurred, the operator and passengers simply did not know what to do.

Don’t become a statistic. Before you board or operate a boat, take a boating safety class from an institution like the American Red Cross.

While we at Rossman Law Group do not aim to frighten you with these important boating accident statistics, we believe everyone should know this information before boarding a boat. The more knowledge you have about the boat you’re boarding, the safer you can enjoy your experience.