Men in small boats most at risk
Statistics reveal that men in small boats are a high risk group that need to take safety precautionsWhere ever you go boating, the common thread in boating accidents and tragedies is men in small boats. Misplaced bravado, poor judegment and misfortune tend to befall those in small craft often fishing alone.
Following on from its statistical evidence, Transport for NSW urged boaters to brush up on maritime safety, especially male boaters given they made up all boat fatalities in 2014/15 and remain over represented in the stats.
According to the latest 2014/15 report, small craft such as tinnies are more susceptible to capsizing and made up around two thirds of boat fatalities.
The Boating incidents in New South Wales – Statistical Statement 2014-15 also showed fatalities had doubled from the previous year while serious injuries were higher than the long term average.
In total, 16 people were killed and 82 seriously injured on NSW waterways in the last calendar reporting year.
"While the number of boating fatalities is up by eight from the previous year, this figure remains in line with the long-term average and continues an overall downwards trend in number of fatal incidents," a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
"However, serious injuries were 26 per cent above the long-term average, highlighting the need for boaters to stay up-to-date with the latest maritime safety campaigns." See www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/campaigns/.
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