Boat fatality figures in state of Florida going overboard

The ocean drowning of two brothers was among 30 boating deaths statewide related to people falling or going overboard. And that was the leading cause of Florida in 2005 having the largest number of boating deaths in a decade, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's 2005 Boating Accident Statistical Report.

ROUGH WATER AHEAD??

People dying in connection with falling overboard was a leading cause of Florida having the largest number of boating fatalities — 80 — in 2005, state reports show. Thirty of those died from falling overboard, a 53 percent increase from 2004. There were five deaths along the Treasure Coast. Of the 30 deaths:

• 93 percent drowned, despite 63 percent being swimmers.

• 100 percent of the drowned were not wearing a life jacket.

• 79 percent fell were from an open motorboat or some small unstable craft.

• 69 percent occurred in calm, inland waters.

• 53 percent were more than 50 years old.

By the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

———————————-

As you can see from the stats, accidents and deaths occur even in calm inland waters and life jackets were not being worn in 100 percent of the drowning deaths.

Dwayne