67 killed in Florida boating accidents in 2011 (and 28 so far this year)

Sixty-seven people were killed in boating accidents in Florida last year, and there have already been 28 deaths so far this year.

That’s according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which has just released its 2011 Boating Accident Statistical Report.

Nearly 40 percent of the fatal accidents were falls overboard making that the main cause of boating fatalities.

63 percent of the people who died in boating accidents last year drowned.

The state said that many of the fatalities would not have happened if people would just wear life jackets while on the water.

It would also help if people would not drink while boating - 15% of the boating fatalities were caused by alcohol or drug use.

There were 4 boating accidents in Franklin County last year leading to 1 injury.

There were a total of 3670 vessels registered in Franklin County last year

Gulf County had 2 accidents and 1 injury; Wakulla county reported 2 accidents that led to 1 injury and 1 death.

According to state statistics, the deadliest months in 2011 were August and November with 9 fatalities each.

94% of all fatal accidents in 2011 involved vessels 21 feet and under, 93% of the victims of fatal boating accidents were men and 68% fatal accidents involved boaters over the age of 35.

You can see the full Florida boating accident report by following the link on this story at the news page at oysterradio.com

http://myfwc.com/media/2236147/2011-BoatingStatistics.pdf

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