Summertime in Connecticut means thousands of people take to our beautiful waters in sailboats or powerboats to fish, water ski, jet ski, tube, or just enjoy themselves on board. Last year there were 4,515 accidents that involved 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and almost $40 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned and 88% were not reported as wearing a life jacket. Most notably, only nine percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.
Inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol rank as the top five primary factors in accidents. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 19% of the deaths. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (46%) and jet skis (20%).
In recent years, Connecticut has taken steps to make boating safer for everyone. Today you must be 16 years old and licensed to operate a boat. In addition, it is now illegal to drink alcohol and drive a boat while impaired. While these measures are well intentioned, the culture of boating is hard to change.
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“We must do what we can to stop these boating accidents” says Andy Cummings of Cos Cob and educational officer for the Greenwich Sail & Power Squadron. Starting March 11 7.30 – 9.20 pm and continuing for 6 Tuesday evenings at Greenwich High School our certified instructors will give the basic boating course required for the CT Safe Boating Certificate. Cost is $29 to Greenwich Continuing Education (GACE) and $70 for materials. To register, sign up for Basic Boating Course 28705A at www.GreenwichACE.com or call me (203) 698-0441. Susan Ryan
