What is the leading cause of fatalities in boating accidents?

Drowning due to lack of life jackets is the leading cause of fatalities in boating accidents, highlighting the critical importance of wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). In many boating incidents, individuals who fall overboard or are thrown from the boat often do not have life jackets on, significantly increasing their risk of drowning. Life jackets are designed to keep individuals afloat and greatly enhance their chances of survival in the water.

Understanding this statistic emphasizes the need for all boaters and passengers to wear properly fitted life jackets at all times while on the water, regardless of their swimming ability or the calmness of the conditions. Safety regulations and awareness campaigns often focus on this crucial aspect of boating safety, reinforcing that preventing drowning through the use of life jackets can substantially reduce the number of fatalities in boating accidents.