If you're a visual person, do we have a great infographic for you.
We just found this from gadling.com, and while it was posted 3 years ago, a lot of the data is still relevant. Sure, specific numbers change over time, but overall boating safety trends remain the same. Check it out:
(Photo Credit: Boat Insurance)
So what do these numbers say? Well, first thing's first: the number of boating accidents generally decreased throughout the 2000's. This is great news!
But then comes the not-so-great news. Georgia doesn't rate so well on the boating accident death rates, with 7.5-10 deaths per 100,000 registered boats in 2008. In general, 9 out of 10 people who died in a boating accident in 2008 were not wearing a life jacket. Isn't that crazy?! Let's draw a quick conclusion from that: wearing your life jacket can save your life in a boating accident. So wear one.
There is lots of other interesting data on this infographic, but we'd like to next point your attention to causes of boating deaths. The top causes? Alcohol use, weather and hazardous waters, and passenger and skier behavior, respectively. What can we get from this? Well, don't drink and boat. Georgia is more committed to this with their new boating laws, which is great. Take drinking and boating just as seriously as you take drinking and driving. Next, keep an eye on the weather. Watch the skies and listen to weather forecasts. No need to be out on the water when the weather takes a turn for the worse - it's not worth losing your boat or your life. Finally, keep tabs on your passengers. Don't permit dangerous behaviors while they're on your boat or when you're towing them on skis or a tube. Keep all limbs inside the boat while it's moving. Wear life jackets. Generally speaking, be seated while the boat is in motion. Encouraging safe behaviors as the boat captain might just save someone's life.
What do you think about these numbers? Have you experienced or witness any events that lend some truth to this data?
But then comes the not-so-great news. Georgia doesn't rate so well on the boating accident death rates, with 7.5-10 deaths per 100,000 registered boats in 2008. In general, 9 out of 10 people who died in a boating accident in 2008 were not wearing a life jacket. Isn't that crazy?! Let's draw a quick conclusion from that: wearing your life jacket can save your life in a boating accident. So wear one.
There is lots of other interesting data on this infographic, but we'd like to next point your attention to causes of boating deaths. The top causes? Alcohol use, weather and hazardous waters, and passenger and skier behavior, respectively. What can we get from this? Well, don't drink and boat. Georgia is more committed to this with their new boating laws, which is great. Take drinking and boating just as seriously as you take drinking and driving. Next, keep an eye on the weather. Watch the skies and listen to weather forecasts. No need to be out on the water when the weather takes a turn for the worse - it's not worth losing your boat or your life. Finally, keep tabs on your passengers. Don't permit dangerous behaviors while they're on your boat or when you're towing them on skis or a tube. Keep all limbs inside the boat while it's moving. Wear life jackets. Generally speaking, be seated while the boat is in motion. Encouraging safe behaviors as the boat captain might just save someone's life.
What do you think about these numbers? Have you experienced or witness any events that lend some truth to this data?
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