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(Tchswoods) writes:

[snip]
Are any of his figures correct?
For example:
Exactly how many deaths per year occur in/around kayaks/canoes?

Well, obviously the number isn't the same every year...and
obviously, no one knows exactly, because there isn't some kind of
worldwide body that compiles statistics on canoe and kayak deaths.
In the United States, I expect that many such deaths never get
reported beyond the local level, any more than do deaths caused by
falling out of tree houses or fatal head injuries inflicted by
badminton rackets.

How many are drownings vs. hypothermia vs. other causes? (I.e. head injury)

Well, certainly, nearly all such deaths will have drowning as their
direct cause, with something like hypothermia or injury often
leading to or contributing to the situation in which someone
drowns.

How many involve the use/non use of helmets (where appropriate) and PFDs

See above. No one knows.

What about the role of alcohol or other recreational chemicals?

See above. No one knows.

What about the lack if judgment (Attempting to paddle waters that are beyond
one's skill level)

See above. No one knows. Now, it is the case that some agencies
that compile data do look at such things -- the Coast Guard looks at
PFD use and alcohol, and Charlie Walbridge's whitewater accident
report tries to include information on experience level, conditions,
etc. But both of those are only analyzing partial data. Charlie
gathers stats on whitewater deaths and near misses, mostly from the
US, and the Coast Guard just gets what's reported to them.

--
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Mary Malmros
Some days you're the windshield,
Other days you're the bug.

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