Boating fatalities are up slightly this year. Here’s how you can stay safe. – Connecticut Public

July 12, 2022

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A boat accident near Portland, Conn., on Sunday that left one person dead is the sixth boating fatality in the state this year. The annual average number of boating fatalities in Connecticut is about six people, according to statistics from the U. S. Coast Guard. With the 2022 boating season only halfway through, the state is on track for slightly more boating fatalities than the yearly average.

“[In] 81% of the fatal sailing accidents, a person drowned. And what’s the really telling number with that is that of the particular fatal accident victims that drowned, 83% were not wearing a life jacket, ” said Walt Taylor, lead boating safety specialist for the Coast Guard’s northeast district. “You should always wear your life coat, even if it’s not required by law. ”

According to Taylor swift, alcohol is also a common contributing factor within boating accidents.

“Always boat sober, ” he said. “If you’re going to have alcohol on the boat, have a sober operator that will knows the rules of the road, knows how to operate the vessel, so everyone else on board will be safe. ”

Taylor also emphasized the importance of boating safety courses. To obtain a certificate in order to operate a boat in Connecticut , residents are required to take a safety course or pass a test with a score of 80% or higher.