What Causes Boating Accidents?
Ahoy! You there, on your boat. Do you know how to avoid “Mayday” situations? Do you know the top causes of boating accidents?
As fun as boating is, it can also be dangerous and life-threatening if you do not prioritize safety. Let’s take a look at the top 5 reasons for boating accidents.
Top 5 causes of boating accidents
1. Boating inexperience and lack of training
Many boat accidents happen because boat operators don’t have the proper boating skills or knowledge or a boating license.
In Canada, boat owners need to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate a motorized pleasure craft. It’s a requirement for all motorized boats, no matter their size or engine power. The PCOC is obtained by completing an approved boating safety course and passing a test. The PCOC course, which is also called a boating license, doesn’t typically include boat driving instruction.
Firsthand boat driving training is highly recommended, especially for new boaters or those seeking to improve their skills. In Canada, you can find hands-on boat driving training through boat clubs and specialized training programs.
Note that your PCOC must be kept on your boat at all times. It’s like the equivalent of your driver’s license.
Did you know? Mayday is used to signal a life-threatening emergency usually by aviators and mariners. The distress call "mayday" originates from the French phrase "m'aider," which means "help me". Ahoy originated among sailors where it was used to catch the attention of crew members and as a general greeting.
2. Alcohol use
About 40% of fatal boating accidents in Canada involve alcohol, which impairs your judgment, motor skills, and reaction. Fatigue, sun, wind, and the motion of the boat all combine to intensify the effects of alcohol on your ability to drive your boat.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive your boat.
In Canada, boat passengers may drink alcohol if the boat has permanent cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities. The boat must also not be in motion and must be moored to the dock, anchored, or beached.
It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a boat if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
3. Speed/dangerous manoeuvres
Just like a car, a speeding boat and a boat making dangerous manoeuvres can lead to a collision,
Speeding boats are a factor in many boating accidents in Canada and often result in collisions and fatalities.
How many boating deaths per year in Canada?
In Canada, there are an average of approximately 111 to 166 recreational boating deaths per year.
4. Falling overboard/ capsizing
Falling overboard or your boat capsizing are common causes of boat fatalities. They are often linked to erratic boat movements, standing in unsafe areas, or not maintaining proper balance. Bad weather conditions, leaks, waves, and sudden turns can cause a boat to capsize.
5. Failing to take into account bad weather
Bad weather, including high winds and rough water, is a frequent contributing factor to recreational boating fatalities in Canada. It’s important to always check the local weather forecast and be aware of any warnings or alerts before you go out on the water.
Note that cold water can kill. It can cause shock, which can lead to drowning.
Cold water also causes hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature that can kill.
What else can be fatal when boating?
Not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) when on a boat can be fatal. A lifejacket can save you from drowning.
In Canada, a significant number of boating-related deaths are caused by not wearing a lifejacket, about 80% to 90% of boating fatalities are linked to this.
To sum it all up
Don’t become a boat accident statistic. Enjoy your time on the water but be aware that accidents can happen. The safety of you, your passengers, and other boaters always comes first. Sail with safety!
FAQs
What’s the first thing you do after a boat accident?
The first thing you do after a boating accident is to check if everyone is safe. Check passengers for injuries, provide first aid if needed, and call for emergency help immediately if anyone is hurt or missing.
What’s the top reason that people fall out of boats?
Alcohol use is a leading factor in why people fall out of a boat.
When do most boating accidents happen?
Most boat accidents happen in the summer or on holidays and they often have nothing to do with bad weather. They are usually caused by distracted and reckless boat operation, alcohol or drug consumption, equipment failure, or operator inexperience.
What’s the most common cause of a boat sinking?
Usually, it’s when a boat runs aground or collides with an object, damaging its hull (front of the boat). Bad weather or mechanical failure can also cause a boat to sink.
What do you do when someone falls overboard?
Keep the person in sight and throw them a flotation device or lifejacket. Slow down or stop the boat and approach the person, ideally from downwind or against the current. Use a boathook to get them back on the boat.
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