Nebraska Boating Accidents Down 6% 2002-7

[Bumpus]

NGPC news release, 5/16/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently completed an analysis of boating safety data that shows boating accidents have decreased six percent in Nebraska from 2002 to 2007, an excellent way to begin the celebration of National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23.

The rate of accidents declined as Nebraska reached an all-time high of more than 84,000 boat registrations. Still, because most boating accidents are preventable, the Commission reminds boaters of steps they can take to improve boating safety.

“Most boating accidents are preventable if boaters take steps individually to avoid them,” said Herb Angell, Nebraska Boating Law Administrator. “Taking a boating safety class, wearing a life jacket, operating your boat defensively to avoid collisions, and boating sober are all steps that every boater can take that will prevent an enjoyable day from becoming a tragedy.”

U.S. Coast Guard data shows that nine out of 10 boating fatality victims who drowned in 2007 were not wearing a life jacket. In Nebraska, none of the seven boating fatalities in 2007 were wearing life jackets and five likely would have survived if they did.

Education is especially critical. In 2006, there were 710 boating fatalities nationwide, nearly three-quarters of which occurred on boats where the operator had not taken a boating safety course. None of the Nebraska boat operators involved in the 2007 fatalities reported they had taken a boater safety course.

The leading causes of boating accidents are all operator-controlled, such as inexperience, inattention, and excessive speed. The leading types of accidents include collisions with other vessels and collisions with fixed objects such as docks or channel markers.

Most fatalities occur by people falling overboard or boats capsizing. Such was the case in five of the seven Nebraska fatalities in 2007.

The Commission recommends that boaters of all ages and levels of experience enroll in a class during National Safe Boating Week. Boating safety courses are available through many organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons.
All boating safety courses offered in Nebraska can be found on the Commission’s Web site at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Boating Guide - Boater Education.

In addition to taking a boating safety course, Angell recommends boaters take the following steps to improve safety on the water:
1. Always wear a life jacket (and wetsuit bottoms in the case of personal watercraft);
2. Learn and follow all local navigation rules;
3. Stay sober and never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and
4. Get a vessel safety inspection (offered free by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which assures boats are equipped with proper safety gear and the vessel is in “sea worthy” condition).

[LundLover]

No doubt in large parts to this fine forum and outstanding boating safety officers like Scott Eveland!

[Scott Eveland]

Originally Posted by LundLover

No doubt in large parts to this fine forum and outstanding boating safety officers like Scott Eveland!

Ah shucks. I was hired by this agency in 2003, coincidence?

Of course, Lake McConaughy had the highest number of boat accidents of all waterways in the state in 2007, so I sprain myself patting myself on the back.

The question is, did we have more accident, or were there more actually reported due to dilligent law enforcement? We estimate over half of the property-damage-only accidents in this state go unreported.

But I digress. Another area in which to give credit is the expansion of boating safety education. Although only a small portion of the boating public is required to complete the classes in Nebraska, each kids that takes it grows up with that knowledge and becomes a safer adult boater.

Or, I could just take all the credit myself!

[OldBaldGuy]

The leading causes of boating accidents are all operator-controlled, such as inexperience, inattention, and excessive speed. The leading types of accidents include collisions with other vessels and collisions with fixed objects such as docks or channel markers.

As I look at those factors, I have to wonder how the statistics compare between jet skiers and conventional boaters. Any idea, Scott? I think I read once that jet skiers are 15 times more likely than conventional boaters to be involved in an accident; could that be right?

[Scott Eveland]

Fifteen times? No. Two times? Maybe.

In Nebraska, personal watercraft (PWC) were 9,300 of the 84,000 registered vessels in 2007, or roughly 11%. During that same time frame PWC were involved in roughly 20% of the reported accidents.

We mirror the national stats with those figures. Some states are higher, some are lower.

Does that mean that PWC operators are twice as likely to get in an accident? Maybe, maybe not.

I mentioned earlier that we know that property-damage only accidents are greatly under-reported. PWC accidents are slighly more likely to involve injury than accidents involving two "full size" boats? Why? Consider the speed, size and open hull contruction of PWC and you can see why people are more likely to be injured in PWC vs. PWC accident. Consider what happens in a boat vs. PWC accident... So, PWC accidents are more likely to involve injury and thus, more likely to be reported.

Since we can't report on stats that don't exists, if people don't report their accidents, it is hard to get an accurate picture.

Anecdotal evidence would indicate that PWC operators are more likely to get into an accident for the reasons OBG mentions, and there is probably a lot of truth to that. However, through the years, we've also seen the ratio of PWC to boat accidents decline as the prices of PWC increase, boater education increases, and more people view them as a veseel, not a toy.

On a sidebar note, PWC fatalities are very rare. Why? Consider the fact that most people who die in boat accidents die because of drowning (71% in Nebraska in 2007, 100% in 2006!). What, by law, do PWC operators and passengers HAVE to wear? That reinforces the fact that LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!

If I can bore you with more accident data, let me know!

Scott

[OldBaldGuy]

Tell ya what, Scott: Until someone comes up with ironclad statistics proving either of us wrong, I'll let you take personal credit for the drop in boating accidents if you don't discredit my prejudice against jet fleas.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by OldBaldGuy

Tell ya what, Scott: Until someone comes up with ironclad statistics proving either of us wrong, I'll let you take personal credit for the drop in boating accidents if you don't discredit my prejudice against jet fleas.

Careful, I've heard/seen things that say Scott rides one of those fleas.

[Scott Eveland]

Originally Posted by Mako

Careful, I've heard/seen things that say Scott rides one of those fleas.

It's not the "fleas," it is the people who ride them that give them a bad name. You know, kind of like the "guns don't kill people..." principle.

And in case OBG missed the pic of my new ride:

[Mako]

That's a nice TOY you have there, Scott.

[Scott Eveland]

Originally Posted by Mako

That's a nice TOY you have there, Scott.

I prefer to call it a tool.