Boating Safety

Boating Safety Boating Injuries by Age 0-12 In 2013, there were 2,620 boating injuries 13-19 17% 20 and Nearly 1 in 4 of all boating injuries occurred in people under the age of 20' over 476% Boating Injuries by Age (Where Age Is Known) 0-12 13-19 5% In 2013, there were 560 boating deaths 20 and over 91% Nearly 1 in 10 of all boating deaths occurred in people under the age of 202 Boating Deaths by Age (Where Age Is Known) 1 Out of the 2,486 injuries where age was known 2 Out of the 553 deaths where age was known (USCG Boating, 20ř4) Drowning and Life Jackets Drowning was the most common cause of boating-related death In 82% of the drowning deaths, the victim did not wear a life jacket“ Known Causes of Boating Deaths Known Life Jacket Use in Drowning Deaths Other 5% Drowning Not Worn 84% Trauma 18% 77% Worn 16% (USCG Boating, 2014) 3 Out of the 515 deaths where cause of death was known 4 Out of the 389 drowning deaths where life jacket use was known Risk Factors Alcohol use was the most common primary factor contributing to death Top 3 Known Primary Contributing Factors in Deaths (Percentage of Boating Deaths Where Cause Is Known) Alcohol Use 16% Operator Inattention 12% Hazardous Waters A A 11% (USCG Boating, 2014) Safety Tips All passengers should wear life jackets. When adults wear life jackets, their children are more likely to wear them, even into adulthood Do not bring infants on boats until they weigh enough to wear an appropriately-sized life jacket Children are more likely to get hypothermia, so make sure to keep them warm Enforce safe boating rules; teach your children not to run on the boat and to keep hands and feet inside the boat Teens should only operate boats in supervised settings and in accordance with local and state laws Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and never enter a boat where the operator is intoxicated Always be vigilant about your surroundings, especially regarding other boaters, swimmers, and weather conditions (Safe Kids Boating Safety Tips, 2014) For detailed sources: childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/boating-safety CSNChildren's Safety Network www.ChildrensSafetyNetwork.org September 2014