New U.S. Coast Guard Report Confirms 25% Jump in Boating Fatalities
The 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report was released to the public last week by the United States Coast Guard. This is an annual report compiled by the federal government detailing the dangers involved in recreational boating across the country. Read, Guard, US Coast. “Recreational boating statistics.” US Department of Homeland Security: Washington, DC, USA (2021) (“the Report”). From the Report, page 6:
The fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. This rate represents a 25% increase from the 2019 fatality rate of 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. Compared to 2019, the number of accidents increased 26.3%, the number of deaths increased 25.1%, and the number of injuries increased 24.7%.
According to the Coast Guard’s latest findings, there was a shocking twenty-five percent (25%) jump in the number of deaths attributed to boating incidents in 2020, as compared to 2019, as well as a corresponding 24.7% rise in non-fatal injuries.
Of particular concern to accident victim advocates and safety agencies is the fact that this rise in boating deaths occurred during the unprecedented pandemic period. Given the lessening of restrictions in 2021, and the desire of many to get out and enjoy summer activities, the Report serves as a stern warning that recreational boating may result in an even greater number of serious accidents and boating fatalities this year.
Boating Popularity in Indiana and Illinois
Boating is a popular pastime in the warm summer months here in our part of the country. According to Visit Indiana, the Hoosier State not only invites boaters to enjoy 45 miles of boating shorelines along our Great Lakes, but Indiana also has 100,000 acres of public-access lakes for recreational boaters to enjoy. Neighboring Illinois not only offers Lake Michigan for local boating pursuits but numerous lakes located throughout the state are open to the boating public, including both public and private access.
Fishing is a very popular boating pursuit in both Indiana and Illinois, of course. In fact, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources publishes state fishing records online and includes an astonishing 104-lb. Blue Catfish caught in the Ohio River by Bruce Midkiff in 1999 and a 50+ year old record 79-lb. Flathead Catfish caught in the White River by Glen T. Simpson in 1966.
However, numerous other boating pursuits are also enjoyed here, including water skiing and other motorized water sports as well as kayaking, whitewater rafting, and canoeing.
Given the stay-at-home orders and quarantines that prohibited many sporting pursuits in the past year, it is understandable that our local lakes will be filled with boating traffic as families, fisherman, and watersport enthusiasts take to the water.
Accordingly, the Report published by the Coast Guard serves as a warning of the great need for care and safety this summer, especially since last year saw a disturbing 25% increase in boating deaths.
What Can the Coast Guard Report Tell Us About Boating Accident Dangers?
Within the Report are facts and figures that help focus our attention on some of the greatest dangers facing boaters this year in Indiana and Illinois. For example, we know (the Report pages 6-7):
- The type of boats that are at the highest risk of a deadly boating incident are: (1) open motorboats (50%); (2) kayaks (15%); and (3) pontoons (9%);
- Where cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned and of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket; and
- The top five fatal accident types involved: (1) collision with a recreational vehicle; (2) flooding/swamping; (3) collision with a fixed object; (4) grounding; and (5) falls overboard.
The Coast Guard also provides a list of the ten known “primary contributing factors” to boating accidents where someone was seriously injured or killed (the Report, page 7). They are:
- Boat operator inattention;
- Boat operator inexperience;
- Improper lookout;
- Excessive speed;
- Machinery failure;
- Navigation rules violation;
- Alcohol use;
- Weather;
- Hazardous waters; and
- Force of wave or wake.
According to the Report, the month of July poses the greatest danger of a boating fatality in this country, with most boating deaths reported in that month, followed closely by June and August, respectively (the Report, page 18). Most fatal boating accidents happen during the afternoon, specifically between 4:31 to 6:30 PM (highest risk) followed by 2:31 to 4:30 PM (second most dangerous time frame)(the Report, page 19).
Justice for Victims of Deadly Boating Accidents in Indiana or Illinois
According to the Coast Guard, the 2020 Fatality Rate for boating accidents reported in 2020 was the “highest in the program’s recent history.” Of particular concern from the Coast Guard’s perspective is the number of newbie boaters on the waters who had failed to use proper safety measures in a serious or fatal accident — including making sure everyone on the boat was properly protected with a life jacket.
“It’s crucial for boaters to wear a life jacket at all times because it very likely will save your life if you enter the water unexpectedly. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to make sure that life jackets are serviceable, properly sized, and correctly fastened.”
For those who are involved in a serious or deadly boating accident on the waters of Indiana or Illinois, it is important to consider the likelihood that state personal injury laws provide avenues for justice both for the boating accident victim and their loved ones. Negligence on the waters can result in legal claims that can provide coverage for damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more.
For more on boating accident claims in Indiana and Illinois, read our earlier discussions in:
- Boating Accidents in Illinois and Indiana: The Summer Danger of Maritime Fatalities
- Liability in Serious Boating Accidents: Indiana and Illinois
- New Dangers for Boating Accidents in Indiana and Illinois
- Seriously Hurt in a Boating Accident: Indiana and Illinois
- Great Lakes Watercraft Safety: Dangers of JetSkis and Other Watercraft for Kids and Families; Learning the Lesson of Usher’s Tragic Loss
- Boating Accidents in Indiana and Illinois: Staying Safe While On the Water.
Boating is a wonderful and welcomed pastime for everyone in Indiana and Illinois, particularly as we recover from the Coronavirus Pandemic quarantines, but we must all be aware of the confirmed trend in rising recreational boating accidents and deaths in the latest Coast Guard Report warnings. Please be careful out there!
