[Paddlewise] ACA study: Canoe and Kayak Fatalities

I  just finished reading the 32 page ACA study "CRITICAL JUDGMENT: 
Understanding and Preventing Canoe and Kayak Fatalities"  which can be found 
at www.acanet.org.  I would like to present a few facts they provided, and 
some observations.

In 2002, there are about three canoeists to every kayaker (20.6million:7.3 
million).  Canoeing grew by 48.8%, kayaking by 182%.  Kayaks accounted for 
only 25% of fatalities (Canoes 75% of 398, not counting 5 unknown)  That 
percent is stable over the five years studied (1996-2000) despite the 
different growth rates of the sports.

Hazardous water/weather was a primary factor in 73% of all kayaking deaths.  
Operator experience was the primary cause of 19%.   THIS REPORT DOES NOT 
SEPERATE KAYAK DEATH BY WHITEWATER OR FLATWATER.  

50% of fatal kayak accidents occurred while wearing a PFD, 44% while not 
wearing a PFD (no explanation for the other 6%).   

Hypothermia:  52 % of the deaths occurred when the water temperature was 
below 65 degrees.  About half of those, it was below 50 degrees 

"Nothing in the BARD accident data or in the accident descriptions reviewed 
by the ACA indicate the low profile of a kayak has played a role in boating 
accidents or fatalities." Pg. 22

"Nothing in any of the accident narratives reviewed for this study pointed to 
hull floatation, or the lack thereof, as a major factor."  Pg. 27 

Brian Blankinship
"Figures never lie, liars figure." Carl Martz

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************