Dangerous Waters: Recreational Boating Deaths Climb But Not In RI

NEWPORT, RI—Recreational boating deaths in the Northeast jumped 62 percent in 2016, the Coast Guard says. In 2015, 34 people died while boating, but in 2016, that number went up to 55. More than half the deaths (29) happened to paddleboarders. Of the 55 dead, 40 drowned, and 45 were not wearing a life jacket.

But Rhode Island recorded zero deaths connected to recreational boating in 2016. In 2015, one person died. But 15 boaters died in Massachusetts in 2016 compared to 5 in 2015. Nine died in New Hampshire versus four the prior year.

The Coast Guard released its 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics report Wednesday, revealing boating fatalities nationwide totaled 701, an 11.3 percent increase from last year’s 626.

“With all the rainy weather and the water temperatures across New England still 60 and below, now is the time to prepare for the nice summer weather,” said Walt Taylor, recreational boating safety coordinator for the First Coast Guard District. “For example, ensure your inflatable life jackets function properly, flares and fire extinguishers are not past expiration dates, and strobe lights, personal locating beacons, and handheld VHF radios have fresh batteries.”

National Safe Boating Week, May 21-26, just ended and marked the informal beginning of summer. Coast Guard crews throughout the Northeast are on patrol paying particular attention to recreational paddlecraft and boating safety while promoting safe boating and paddling practices.

Some additional important boating safety measures that can save your life include:

• Boat and paddle sober. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Refrain from using alcohol or other impairing substances when operating boats or other watercraft.
• Be sure you are not operating a boat or paddlecraft beyond your level of knowledge and handling skill. Operator inattention, boater and paddler inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
• Take a boating safety course or get a free safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.,

To view the 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics, go to http://uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.php.

For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/.

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