Safe Boating

Executive Officer Chris Frost of our Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron sent out some interesting information to the members recently. I found the information quite enlightening but in some cases, not that surprising. He was sharing information on boating accident statistics, and I wanted, with Chris’s permission, to pass the information on to you.

Boating Accident Review: Florida leads the nation with a total number of 1,030,053 registered vessels in 2024. There were 685 reportable boating accidents in 2024.

Where cause of death was known, 76% of fatal boating incident victims drowned. The leading cause of death in fatal boating accidents was drowning with 37 fatalities (46%).

Where Personal Flotation Device usage was known, 87% were not wearing a Personal Flotation Device.

Where instruction was known, 69% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Only 19% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.

Where length was known, four of every five boaters who drowned were aboard vessels less than 21 feet in length. 68% (57) of all vessels involved in fatal accidents in 2024 were 21 feet in length or less.

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents; where the primary cause was known, alcohol or drug use is reported to have played a role in 36% of boating fatalities.

Reportable Boating Accident, collision with fixed object was the leading type of accident with 41% of the fatal accidents resulting from collision with fixed objects. Towed watersport activities were involved in seven accidents, resulting in eight injuries. Paddle/Human powered craft (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards) were involved in 10 accidents resulting in nine fatalities. 82% (66) of the victims of fatal boating accidents were males. 64% of the operators involved in fatal accidents were aged 36 or older.

Let’s look at those three paragraphs, cause of death, use of flotation devices and education a little closer. Drowning is the leading cause of death when a boat accident occurs. Having recovered several victims from accidents on the water over the years, I can attest that the second paragraph is very true. The drowning victims I recovered were NOT wearing a flotation device. And anyone of you who has lived here and spent time on the water has seen firsthand some of the numbskull behaviors and situations that uneducated and untrained boaters get into.

So, solutions? It’s really pretty simple. You didn’t start driving a car without training back in the day, why should boating be any different? A responsible boater, the owner or operator of ANY SIZE boat will be educated on the rules of the road, know the waterway they are operating in, know the vessels that they are operating and have a boating plan that they adhere to every time. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary had a pre-departure checklist that I use every time. Simple stuff, know the weather, the tides, and what the float plan is, i.e., tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Make sure everyone knows where the life jackets are, the radio - yes, the VHF one not the stereo. Where is the anchor, the life jackets, signal devices, whistle, horn, fire extinguisher…you get it. Fun thing to do with your “crew” at some point during the day: practice man overboard drills. Toss a throwable cushion over the side and then have everyone take different roles to rescue the man overboard. The power squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary both promote suddenly in command classes. Ask yourself, if you suddenly became incapacitated or fell overboard, can anyone else on your boat drive the boat? And life jackets, the power squadron recommends that everyone on the water should have a life vest on. The inflatable horse collar ones are not that expensive and are comfortable. At the very least, consider having anyone who is not a strong swimmer or not that physically fit wear one. Okay, I know it’s not for everyone, so here is a realistic thought. Have those life jackets readily available, NOT on the bottom of the center console storage area under all that other junk. And make your plan the minute there is an issue, bad weather, boat problems, anything out of the ordinary, to make your FIRST move getting the life jackets on everyone. If things go south, and it quickly can, at least that lifesaving tool is already in play. And if you’re on your boat by yourself and you are not wearing a life jacket, well, I hope you have a plan on how your family will be provided for, because your irresponsible decision could affect more than your own life.

Taking a class, getting training is just smart. Here in our area both the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron, as well as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, have training centers and offer a myriad of classes. Go online, sign up and take some! www.marcoboatingclub.org/boating-courses is the contact for our local Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron. I will be doing a CPR/AED First Aid class there on Saturday morning, September 20th.

I asked Michael Massey, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 95 Marco Island, his thoughts on this subject. Mike stated, “With the arrival of the busy boating season in Southwest Florida just around the corner, ensuring water safety is more crucial than ever. I encourage you all to take a boating course that will offer critical safety insights to protect you and your passengers. Our Fall 2025 U.S.C.G. Auxiliary boating safety classes are scheduled and available on our website. Go to https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05

I have always thought, how could I even live with myself if my lack of knowledge, lack of training, and frankly just being negligent in my actions resulted in the loss of life being my fault? In 2024, there were 81 boating accidents in Florida. Ask yourself why and commit yourself to being a safer boater.