For the last 60 years the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has collected statistics regarding boater accidents and mortality. This information is released annually and can be found at uscgboating.org. The USCG does an amazing job collecting and classifying all of this information. It’s worth a read if you’re numbers geeks like us. However, at 83 pages long it’s not exactly a short read. So to save you time we’ve compiled all the pertinent kayaking statistics in this article.
We’ve poured over the report and extracted the key data. Our goal is to help you understand the risks you’re taking each time you go out on the water. We hope the following information will both elucidate the need for safety and inspire you to be a safer paddler.
Accidents Happen
In 2018, the Coast Guard counted 4,145 accidents that involved 663 deaths, 2,511 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
Although these numbers look jarring it’s worth noting that recreational boating safety has improved. In 1998 there were 815 deaths, 4,612 injuries, and 8,061 accidents. Over that same time frame the fatality rate dropped 18.5% from 6.5 per 100,000 to 5.3 per 100,000. For comparison in 2017 the fatality rate for operating a motor vehicle was 11.4 per 100,000 in the U.S. In that same year the U.S. homicide rate was 5.10 per 100,000. These figures appear to suggest that kayaking is safer than driving. But you probably spend a lot more time driving than kayaking (unfortunately).
Improvements in technology and over water safety have been major contributors to these sizable reductions, and hopefully your own increased awareness of water-craft safety will continue to improve these kayaking statistics over time.
Buying the Farm
As paddle sports have grown in popularity so to have the number of people that have passed away paddling. The percentage of Canoe/Kayak related deaths has grown from 16% in 2008 to 20% in 2018. That’s an increase of ~25%. Whereas most other types of water-crafts have seen their proportion of total deaths remain the same or decrease.
Out of all 663 deaths 84 were kayakers, and 44 were canoers, cumulatively representing 19.3% of all reported deaths in 2018. Only open motorboats surpassed paddlecraft deaths. Motorboats were involved in a staggering 46.9% of all deaths. It may seem that motorboats are inherently more dangerous. However there were a little over 10 million registered mechanically propelled boats, and only 531,879 registered “paddlecraft” (includes all paddle driven craft). Paddlecraft represented only 4.4% of all registered boats in 2018, but were involved in 19.3% of all deaths.
The leading cause of death in these fatalities is easy to guess; drowning. 109 of the 128 kayakers and canoers who passed away in 2018, or roughly 85%, did so by drowning. Out of those 109 only 22% had their life jacket on. Looking at all drowning deaths in 2018 only 15% of victims had their life jacket on. We continually stress the importance of wearing your lifejacket. Doing so is the absolute best way to improve your safety on the water. Don’t be a statistic, always wear your lifejacket.
Injuries
In 2018 there were 4,145 accidents that involved 5,594 vessels . Any incident that involves a personal injury or death is counted as an accident. under USCG methodology. For all vessel types there were 2,511 injuries. Meaning that a little over 60% of all accidents resulted in an injury, and only 16% resulted in death. You may think those numbers don’t seem too bad, but you’d be wrong.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 6,452,000 crashes in 2017 (most recent year available). Out of those only 29.3% resulted in injury, and only 0.5% resulted in death. That’s pretty incredible when you realize that there are 272 million registered cars in the US as of 2018.
Smaller Boats, Smaller Numbers
Luckily there’s a much smaller population of recreational boats. In 2018 there were 11,852,969 registered vessels nationwide in 2018. Fewer boats means less traffic. Less traffic equals fewer accidents. Only 0.05% of the total registered boat population was involved in any sort of accident, compared to 2.37% of registered vehicles. However, when there is an accident with a kayak it’s usually pretty bad.
There were 254 accidents involving a canoe or kayak in 2018. Out of those 120 were injured, and 128 died. If you’re kayaking and have an accident then you’re almost as likely to die as you are to walk away uninjured.
So what’s the number one type of accident for kaynoers’ (or canyakers’ if you prefer)? Capsizing; capsizing was the primary accident in 55% of kayak and canoe incidents. 280 vessels (of all types) were involved in a capsizing event resulting in 119 drownings; 56% of those vessels were manually propelled, indicating they were likely kayaks or canoes.
Don’t Blame Motorboaters
The primary cause for all these kayak accidents may surprise you. It’s not the wake from clueless motorboaters. And it’s also not rogue waves coming out of nowhere. Or getting fin-slapped by a whale – although that would make for an epic story. The number one reason for kayak accidents is you; specifically “operator inexperience” which is defined as:
Lack of practical experience or knowledge in operating a vessel or, more particularly, the vessel involved in the accident.
Experiential requirements are a paradoxical challenge well known to teenagers seeking employment; you need experience now but experience is only earned over time. Similarly it takes time to learn your vessel and develop skills as a paddler. If you’re brand new to paddle sports then consider taking an introductory class, or have a more experienced friend accompany you on your first few trips. Break in that brand new kayak on the pond instead of the Atlantic during shark week.
Enviornment
Looking at the kayaking statistics above it’s tempting to think that they’re outliers. All those accidents were probably guys who went out in big water in the middle of the night during bad weather. As a weekend warrior who only goes to the local pond right down there’s no way you’ll be exposed to the same risks, right?
As attractive as it is to think you’re as safe as an aircraft carrier the truth is that most of these accidents, injuries, and deaths, didn’t happen out in the surf, or during the Storm of the Century. They mostly happened on sunny days in small water. Take a look at the conditions when the majority of accidents happened:
Visibility: Good
Water Temperature: 70-79 F
Wind: Light
Surface: Calm
What’s also alarming is that most people were either just boating/relaxing or fishing when these accidents occurred. Clear skies and warm waters make for an amazing day on the water. And you’re not the only one with that thought. Take a moment to consider these facts next time you head out. Remember to stay safe and pay attention to your surroundings.
The Most Dangerous Day
It makes sense that the more people out on the water increases the probability an accident will occur. Not only is there a larger population at risk, but influencing variables such as collision also increase. We analyzed the report to determine when you’re most likely to be part of or witness an accident. The answer may or may not surprise you.
Summertime, in particular July, is peak boating season. Warm weather, vacations, and great water conditions intersect to provide an amazing time out. It probably shouldn’t surprise you that weekends are going to be busier. Clogged boat launches and countless wake waves will make for an entertaining time on the water. Afternoons are the busiest time of the day and when incidents are primed to happen.
So if the weather is great on a Saturday in July you can be sure there are going to be some accidents. And unfortunately some of those accidents will result in deaths. Add in fireworks, alcohol, and a few hoots of Murica’ (Hell Yeah!) and things could really get interesting. Coincidentally July 4th in 2020 is going to be on a Saturday….so be careful.
Kayaking Statistics Takeaways
The trends and figures above are derived from a large data set that isn’t without its own idiosyncrasies. Plenty of kayaks and canoes are unregistered due to varying state regulations. It’s very likely there are far more accidents that don’t get reported. We believe the USCG report is one of the most comprehensive out there in regards to kayaking statistics. Until someone can demonstrate otherwise the report will serve as the best proxy for extrapolating kayaking trends.
Remember that when you’re out on a boat, any kind of boat, you’re not invincible. When things go bad they tend to do so in a hurry. Be prepared and be aware. Take time to survey and maintain your equipment before you head out. Let somebody know where you’re going, and have a way to communicate outside of just yelling.
If you’re an inexperienced kayaker then take time to develop some basic kayaking skills before taking bigger risks. Learn how to recover a capsized boat – and actually practice doing it. Boy scouts seeking to earn their kayaking merit badge have to actually capsize their kayak and recover. If you’re not confident in your ability to recover then you’re taking a significant risk every time you’re out. Finally, and as always, wear your life jacket.
If you’re really concerned about safety consider looking at the best gear to keep you safe while kayak fishing.