Boating incidents in NSW - Statistical Statement 2012-13

Transport for NSW has just released Boating Incidents in NSW – Statistical Statement 2012-13 (pdf 1.1MB), which provides the first update 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.

In 2012-13, there were 27 boating fatalities and 63 serious injuries, arising from 343 incidents.

The report provides compelling evidence of the value of lifejackets, suggesting that 13 lives could have been saved if all the people who drowned were wearing a lifejacket.

Persons being suddenly forced into the water (from falling overboard or vessel capsize) accounted for nearly 70 per cent of recreational vessel fatal incidents during the year.  Vessels less than 6 metres in length accounted for more than 80 per cent of such incidents.

As in previous years, a large majority (nearly 85 per cent) of those killed in recreational boating incidents were male, and a considerable proportion (20 per cent) were people aged 70 or above.  All of these older victims were male.

The high number of fatalities recorded during the year emphasises the need for ongoing boater education.

Making lifejacket wear a habit is the key to preventing fatalities in smaller boats.