Winter is not the time to put that boat in the water

01/15/04

Thinking about killing cabin fever and taking the boat for a spin this
weekend? New statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard say even though
fewer recreational boating accidents happen in winter, boaters face
the highest risk of dying.

"Many boaters probably believe that the risks are greatest during the
warmer months, when waterways are more crowded," said Captain Scott
Evans, the Coast Guard's chief of boating safety.

"Our statistics show the opposite, that boaters are most at risk of
dying during the colder months so boating safety should be a concern
year-round, not just during peak boating season."

Evans attributes the higher fatality rate to the fact that fewer
boaters and patrol officers may be available to rescue boaters in
distress during winter months.

Hypothermia, or the condition when the body loses heat faster than is
it produced, may be an additional danger. The colder the water, the
more rapidly hypothermia may occur.

The statistics reveal that overall fatalities were up from 681 in 2001
to 750 in 2002. Boating fatalities involving alcohol rose to 39
percent in 2002 from 34 percent in 2001. The number of registered
recreational boats continued to rise, breaking the 13 million mark.

"These statistics confirm the need for boaters to take charge of their
safety and the safety of their passengers throughout the year. We want
to be sure boaters are getting this message," Evans added.

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