Re: [Paddlewise] Fatalites and PFDs

In a message dated 98-10-07 11:00:39 EDT, dana.dickson_at_unisys.com writes:

<< Multiple causation is easily demonstrable for most if not all accidents.
 The multiple contributing causes for this specific accident have been
 discussed elsewhere.  A statement that the lack of a PFD is *THE* cause of
 this or any kayaking accident is clearly and logically false.  However, the
 failure to properly wear a PFD is clearly a contributing factor to this and
 most boating fatalities. >>

Dana's response is one of the clearest and most logical posts yet in this
thread, and is very much appreciated.  As an aircraft accident investigator, I
agree with him completely on his analysis of "multiple cause" factors.

In response to a couple of requests for assistance, I have spent a few hours
during the past few weeks canvassing the Coast Guard for accident data, have
had some luck, and will publish to this list a brief synopsis of what I've
obtained so far as soon as I can get the time.  However, to Dana's point that
not wearing PFDs is "... clearly a contributing factor to this and <most>
boating fatalities (italics mine)," the following quote from the '97 synopsis
of the USCG's Recreational Boating Accident Statistics - 1997: "Eighty-six
more boaters drowned in 1997 than in 1996, a total of 586 drowning victims.
Approximately nine out of ten of those drowning victims were not reported
wearing a life jacket."  Yup, <most>.

More later.

Jack Martin
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