Unsafe
boating's
deadly toll

Essential reading

With a little common sense, boating deaths easily avoidable

By JOHN YAUKEY and ROBERT BENINCASA, Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

Failure to wear a life vest, alcohol and inability to swim are factors in most of the 700 accidental boating deaths that occur each year in U.S. waters, according to a Gannett News Service analysis of boating accident data.

Searchable database

Explore boating accident data

By Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

Check out accident reports for lakes, rivers and other waterways you frequent for recreational boating. Also, learn about state safety requirements and alcohol limits for operating a boat by clicking around an interactive map.

How to use the online database

How we created the online database

More articles and information

Effort to curb drunken boating draws parallels with drunken driving

By JOHN YAUKEY, Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

Drinking and boating, a sometimes deadly combination, needs to be taken as seriously as drinking and driving, law enforcement authorities say. Drinking was involved in nearly a quarter of boating fatalities from 2001 to 2005, according to a Gannett News Service analysis of Coast Guard data.

Boating education saves lives, insurance money

By JOHN YAUKEY, Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

By the time they get on the water, many boaters have made their first mistake. They assumed they don't need special training. More than 40 percent of boat operators killed on U.S. waters between 2001 and 2005 never received boater education, according to a Gannett News Service analysis of boating accidents reported to the Coast Guard.

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Join the conversation

After reading the articles and exploring the database, use the discussion area to add your own comments, analysis and suggestions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• How often do you see boaters not wearing personal flotation devices? Do you always wear yours? Why or why not?

• How much of a problem are intoxicated boaters? Share your stories if you've observed any and suggest ways to keep them off waterways.

• What patterns or trends did you discover in the accident data for lakes, rivers and other waterways you use recreationally? Were any of the reports surprising and what surprised you about them?

• Add your own discussion topic

Video reports

Dangers of recreational boating

May 23, 2007

CWO3 Douglas Luper of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety talks about some of the hidden dangers on the water.

Equipping your boat with the correct safety gear

May 23, 2007

CWO3 Douglas Luper of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety talks about the safety equipment required on all boats.

Proper equipment can prevent drownings

May 23, 2007

Mike Aronoff of the American Canoe Association describes the safety equipment that should be taken on every canoe and kayaking trip.

Tips for canoeing safely

May 23, 2007

Mike Aronoff of the American Canoe Association discusses the American canoe.

Different kayaks, different safety procedures

May 23, 2007

Mike Aronoff of the American Canoe Association explains the difference between a sea kayak and a recreational kayak.

Downloadable reference graphics

Guide to personal flotation devices

Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

Find out what you need to know about live vests, flotation aids and other gear that can save your life if you're involved in a boating accident. (Adobe PDF document).

How to fit a child's life jacket

Gannett News Service | May 23, 2007

Compare the correct and incorrect ways to help a youngster put on a life jacket or life vest when boating. (Adobe PDF document).