Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
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Table 5-3
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Drownings in Recreational Boating Accidents, 2006

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Cause of death PFD Status Total Fatalities
Worn Not Worn
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 0 12 12
Drowning 51 423 474
Hypothermia 6 9 15
Other 11 20 31
Cardiac 5 13 18
Trauma 49 81 130
Unknown 4 26 30
Total 126 584 710

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Statistics, 2006; available at: http://www.uscgboating.org as of Mar. 24, 2008.

  • Approximately 70% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned (474 out of 692). Moreover, 89% of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket), up from 86% in 2000 and 88% in 2005.
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