Most accidental drownings and fatal water-related emergencies are preventable. The key is a combination of awareness, preparation and the use of proper safety equipment.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics, approximately 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning and 87% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. This statistic includes boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, canoeists and others participating in recreational water activities.
The Coast Guard has also found that many drowning victims were experienced boaters who never expected to enter the water. Cold water, injury, fatigue, alcohol impairment and sudden immersion can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers. Falling overboard from boats, kayaks, canoes and paddle craft accounts for a significant number of these fatalities.
The question is simple: Why are so many people still not wearing life jackets? Motorcyclists wear helmets. Welders wear protective masks. Mechanics wear safety glasses. Most drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Why? Because these safety devices work, and accidents happen suddenly, leaving little or no time to put protective equipment on after an emergency begins.
When people are asked why they do not wear a life jacket, the answers are often based on common myths. Unfortunately, many preventable deaths have occurred because of these misconceptions.
“I am a good swimmer” — You may be. However, swimming ability becomes far less important if you are injured, struck by a propeller, suffer a medical emergency or are knocked unconscious during a fall overboard. Some life jackets can turn an incapacitated person face up and keep them afloat when they are unable to help themselves.
“It’s shallow here, and I can see the shore” — Distance to shore and water depth do not eliminate risk. A sudden injury, cold-water shock, exhaustion or unconsciousness can turn a seemingly manageable situation into a fatal one within moments. 80% or more of drowning victims were only feet from safety or help — shore, dock or another vessel. Yet, they died due to the factors described above.
“We’re just in the bay” — Bays and basins often appear safe and sheltered, but they can also be crowded with recreational boats, personal watercraft and even commercial traffic. Unexpected wakes, collisions, falls overboard and impaired operators can all create dangerous situations, even for those close to shore.
“The water is calm” — Calm water does not guarantee safety. Injuries, cold shock, medical emergencies or a propeller strike can quickly make it impossible to swim, tread water or stay afloat, regardless of conditions.
“I’m just on the dock” — Many unintended immersions occur from docks, piers and marina facilities. People can slip, lose their balance or be knocked into the water unexpectedly. This impact can cause injury, disorientation or unconsciousness. Recognizing this risk, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are required to wear life jackets anytime when operating within 30 feet of the water in operational settings for these reasons and many more.
“I can always put on a life jacket later” — Emergencies rarely provide that opportunity. Cold-water shock can impair breathing and motor skills within seconds. Injuries may make movement difficult or even impossible. A vessel taking on water can reach a point where it suddenly loses buoyancy and sinks rapidly, leaving little time to react. The best time to put on a life jacket is before it is needed.
“Life jackets are cumbersome” — Some life jackets can feel bulky or uncomfortable, but so can many other forms of safety equipment as discussed above, and they save lives. Today’s life jackets come in a variety of designs to fit different activities and comfort levels. Many are lightweight and specifically designed for paddling, fishing or recreational boating. There are even inflatable life jackets that resemble belts or fanny packs and are far less restrictive than traditional models. A life jacket does not need to be comfortable, it just needs to work when you least expect it.
Drownings can be silent, occur quickly and are almost always unintended. Even strong swimmers can drown when faced with injury, cold shock, exhaustion or unconsciousness. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket significantly increases the likelihood of survival during an unexpected immersion.
The safest life jacket is not the one stored in a compartment — it is the one being worn. A simple decision made before an emergency occurs can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy
Matt Smith, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla San Diego, currently serves as a flotilla staff officer and is qualified as both an instructor and a vessel examiner. He is also a law enforcement officer with 33+ years of experience in public safety.
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