Boating incidents in NSW – Statistical Statement 2013-14

Published
Provides the second yearly statement on boating statistics since the publication of the long term report was published in late 2012.

Transport for NSW has just released Boating incidents in NSW – Statistical Statement 2013-14 (pdf 1.1MB), which provides the 2nd yearly statement on boating statistics since the publication of the long term report Boating Incidents in NSW – Statistical report for the 10-year period ended 30 June 2012 (pdf 4.0MB) in late 2012.

In 2013-14, there were 8 boating fatalities and 92 serious injuries, arising from 322 incidents.

The report provides further evidence of the value of lifejackets, suggesting that two more lives could have been saved if all the people who drowned were wearing a lifejacket in accordance with current requirements.

Persons being suddenly forced into the water (from falling overboard or vessel capsize) accounted for 6 out of the 7 recreational vessel fatal incidents during the year.  All of the recreational fatalities involved a vessel of 6 metres or less in length.

As in previous years, most of those killed in recreational boating incidents were male (5 out of 7).

While the number of boating fatalities was the lowest for 20 years, and overall incident rates continue to trend downwards, the 92 serious injuries recorded during the year emphasise the need for ongoing boater education.

Modern lifejackets: comfortable and easy to wear all day long.