Key Statistics About Boating Accidents in New York

With summer right around the corner, the boating season is just about to arrive here in New York and throughout the northeastern United States. As such, it’s important for people who are going to be spending time on the water to remind themselves of boating safety protocols, and to be aware of the risks they face.

Here are a few statistics about boating accidents in New York you might find eye opening.

• There are nearly 450,000 registered powerboats in the state of New York, a significant number and an indicator of how big a part of the state’s economy is influenced by boating and fishing.
• In 2019, the most recent year for which there is complete information, there were 15 fatal boating accidents reported. This marked the lowest total since 2006, but still too many.
• Since the year 2000, the state has an average of 47 fatal boating deaths per 100,000 registered watercraft.
• Brianna’s Law became effective on January 1, 2020. Under the legislation, people born on or after January 1, 1993 are required to obtain a safe boating certificate to legally operate a vessel in the state. Each year the age requirement will be increased until all operators will need to obtain a safe boating certificate by January 1, 2025.
• From 2005 to 2019, 95 percent of people who were killed in boating accidents were not wearing a personal floatation device, such as a life jacket. Life jackets save lives, and should always be worn while out on the water.
• Alcohol and drug use also has a significant correlation with boating accident fatalities. In 2019, substances were expected to be present in at least four of the 15 fatalities.

You should get out and enjoy the boating season, but you should also make sure you’re doing it safely. If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia LLP for legal representation.