Minnesota Boating Fatalities Reach Highest Point in 10 Years

Known as the land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s no secret that residents of Minnesota enjoy taking their boats out on the water for a variety of activities. Even though boating provides entertainment, just like cars, they come with their own inherent set of risks. Especially with the recent, tragic events occurring to Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins, we are reminded that a boating accident can happen to anyone at any time.

Using data provided by the Department of Department of Natural Resources, one can see that Minnesota boating accidents and deaths are on the rise in the state. 2015 saw the most boating related deaths in ten years at 18 and boating accidents almost doubled from 36 in 2014 to 71 in 2015. Moreover, boating deaths in 2015 hit 2.23 per 100,000 registered boats, the highest rate since 2.70 per 100,000 in 2005.

Life Jackets

While some attribute this increase in fatalities to warmer weather and better conditions, leading to more boaters on the water, many of these deaths are preventable. Last year, 11 out of the 18 boaters who died on Minnesota waters last year were not wearing life jackets. In fact, nationally, 70% of all boating fatalities are a result from drowning, and almost 85% of those who drown are not wearing a life jacket.

According to Minnesota law, as of May 2005, wearing a life jacket is required by children less than 10 years of age when on a boat that is not tied up at a dock or moored. For adults however, the law is slightly different. A life jacket must be “readily accessible” but not necessarily worn while on board. Unfortunately if a boat capsizes or drifts away from a person who falls off a boat, having a life jacket only nearby does no good.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another leading factor of boating related accidents and deaths. The American Boating Association estimates that a BAC above 10% increases the likelihood of being in a boating accident by 10 times. In 2015, out of the 16 fatal accidents that resulted in 18 deaths, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in seven (or 44%) of the accidents. According to data from the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is a leading factor for about 20% of fatal boating accidents on average across the United States, less than half the rate of accidents in Minnesota.

While it’s impossible to prevent all accidents and collisions on the water from happening, there are many factors that are within the control of the boater. Other than alcohol use and not wearing a life jacket, excessive speed, driver inexperience, and operator inattention are some of the top contributing factors for boat accidents recorded in 2015. Reducing alcohol consumption and wearing your life jacket are just two very simple steps to reducing fatal accidents, but at the end of the day, it is up to the boaters to act responsibly out on Minnesota waters.