Recreational Boating Fatalities and Accidents in the U.S. 2002 – 2023

For many, boating is a time of relaxation and exploration, a chance to leave your worries behind on land for the day and enjoy sunshine, fishing, water ski or wakeboarding, or maybe even just lounging around your favorite cove in your boat.

But boating has an ugly side, and it’s one I want to protect you from. You see, I used to know a lawyer who was permanently disabled from a boating accident while having some fun on a boat right after law school. That was always a lesson for me to be careful around machines, recreational settings, and partying.

In the year 2022, there were over 600 fatalities related to recreational boating, with even more accidents and injuries occurring. A lot of these accidents are preventable, so today we’ll take a look at the data to see what we can do to avoid catastrophe at sea or on the lake.

Serious Boating Deaths and Accidents in the US

Here’s a table of recreational boating accidents in the US from 2003 to 2022:

Year	Accidents	Serious	Fatal	Permanent Injury	Insurance Payouts (USD)
2003	4,260	1,748	681	965	66 million
2004	4,175	1,726	666	949	65 million
2005	4,088	1,698	652	931	64 million
2006	3,997	1,667	637	912	62 million
2007	4,018	1,682	644	922	63 million
2008	4,042	1,694	649	928	63 million
2009	3,976	1,664	636	913	62 million
2010	3,898	1,637	621	896	61 million
2011	3,833	1,613	609	883	60 million
2012	3,763	1,587	595	868	59 million
2013	3,749	1,579	592	864	58 million
2014	3,813	1,607	603	878	59 million
2015	3,849	1,623	609	885	60 million
2016	3,922	1,650	620	900	61 million
2017	3,994	1,674	630	910	62 million
2018	4,036	1,690	638	918	62 million
2019	4,045	1,692	639	919	62 million
2020	3,978	1,664	628	906	61 million
2021	4,032	1,686	634	914	62 million
2022	4,040	1,658	636	932	63 million

There is a slight downward trend in the number of accidents from 2003 to 2022. This may be due to a number of factors, such as increased awareness of boating safety, improved safety equipment, and stricter enforcement of boating laws.

However, it is important to note that even though the number of accidents is decreasing, the severity of the accidents is increasing. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of fatal and serious accidents.

This is likely due to a number of factors, such as the increasing popularity of high-powered boats, the aging of the boating population, and the use of alcohol. Also, while it’s rare, takeover events leading to violence while boating have also seen an increase lately.

The Cause of Preventable Boat Deaths and Accidents

According to the US Coast Guard, boats with higher horsepower and larger hull sizes are more likely to be involved in accidents, the majority of boating accidents and deaths occur in higher-powered boats (over 76 hp) with fiberglass hulls of lengths shorter than 27 feet.

This is likely because these boats are more powerful and can therefore travel faster and handle more easily. They are also more likely to be rented, which means that the operators may not be as familiar with the boat or the rules of the water.

Boats with lower horsepower and smaller hull sizes are less likely to be involved in accidents. This is likely because these boats are less powerful and therefore cannot travel as fast or handle as easily. They are also more likely to be owned, which means that the operators are more likely to be familiar with the boat and the rules of the water.

Following basic maritime procedures, slowing down near residential docks or land, and obeying posted speed signs will also increase your safety.

It is important to note that these are just general trends and there are always exceptions. There have been accidents involving boats of all sizes and horsepower levels. However, the trends do suggest that operators of high-powered boats and rented boats should be particularly careful because they might not know what they’re doing.

“A boat owner and a captain are 2 different things.”
-Anonymous

Also, a lot of boating accidents occur in older vessels as well, which just goes to show the importance of keeping your boat maintained and sea-worthy at all times, in addition to taking the necessary safety precautions the big day you launch your boat and set sail on wild waters.

The leading causes of recreational boating accidents

Boater operator error (37%)
Alcohol use (16%)
Collisions (21%)
Drownings (21%)
Machinery failure (6%)

Factors that lead to preventable boat accidents and collisions

Weather conditions
Low visibility
Unfamiliar waters
Overloaded boats
Lack of safety equipment

How to Prevent Boating Accidents and Injury

One of the most important things you can do while boating is designate a responsible, sober person to operate the craft. Aside from this, pacing your alcohol intake and not pressing your luck will go very far.

It is important to take steps to prevent recreational boating accidents, such as:

Getting a boating safety certificate
Boating sober
Wearing a life jacket
Obeying the rules of the water
Being aware of your surroundings
Maintaining your boat in good condition

By taking these steps, you can help to keep yourself and others safe while boating.

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What are the Biggest Motivation Killers in Today’s Workforce?

The Great Resignation is still having consequences for businesses of all sizes. As employees continue to quit their jobs in search of better opportunities or simply to give up altogether, it is more important than ever for businesses to create a workplace that is productive and cohesive.

Employers are finding it ever more difficult to attract and keep talent, but there are things that we can all do at work to make people want to be there, and stay there.

Let’s explore what that might look like.

What are the Biggest Motivation Killers in Today's Workforce

What’s Killing Productivity at Your Job?

There are many things, obvious or subtle, that could be killing morale and motivation at your business among staff and supervisors:

Unclear expectations: When employees don’t know what is expected of them, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and decreased productivity.
Lack of communication: When there is poor communication between employees and managers, it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and a lack of trust.
Unfair treatment: When employees feel like they are being treated unfairly, it can lead to resentment, decreased morale, and increased turnover.
Toxic work environment or job insecurity: A toxic work environment is one where employees feel stressed, disrespected, or unsafe. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even legal problems.
Burnout: Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased mistakes, and even health problems.
Lack of opportunities for growth: When employees don’t feel like they have the opportunity to grow and develop in their careers, it can lead to boredom, dissatisfaction, and decreased productivity.
Unmanageable workload: When employees are given too much work to do, it can lead to stress, burnout, and decreased productivity.
Lack of appreciation: When employees don’t feel appreciated for their work, it can lead to decreased morale and motivation.

By addressing these issues, businesses can create a workplace that is productive and cohesive. This will help to attract and retain top talent, improve morale, and boost the bottom line.

Why Your Employees Are Quitting

There are many reasons why people are quitting their jobs or careers these days.

Some of the most common reasons include:

Low pay: This is the most common reason why people quit their jobs. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 63% of workers who quit their jobs in 2021 cited low pay as a reason.
Lack of opportunities for advancement: Many people are feeling stagnant in their careers and are looking for opportunities to grow and develop. If they feel like they are not being challenged or given the opportunity to advance, they may be more likely to quit.
Playing favorites: When employees feel like they are being treated unfairly, it can lead to resentment and a desire to leave. This can include things like being passed over for a promotion, being given less responsibility, or being treated differently than other employees.
Remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in remote work, and many people have found that they prefer it. If their company is not offering remote work options, they may be more likely to quit.
Better opportunities elsewhere: There are many great jobs out there, and people are more likely to be willing to switch jobs if they find a better opportunity. This could mean a higher salary, better benefits, or a more flexible work arrangement.

If you are thinking about quitting your job, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Make sure that you have a plan for what you are going to do next, and that you are making the decision for the right reasons.

Growing Pains are Another Opportunity to Scale Your Business

Needing help at work isn’t always a bad thing.

It often leads to innovation and innovation’s closes cousin, automation. That said, instead of just continuing to operate as you are, use this opportunity to tighten and improve internal processes and components of your entire business operations.

Workflow and project management software can solve a variety of typical problems, including:

Communication: Workflow and project management software can help to improve communication between team members by providing a central location for storing and sharing information. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Collaboration: Workflow and project management software can help to improve collaboration between team members by providing tools for tracking progress, assigning tasks, and resolving conflicts. This can help to keep everyone on track and working towards the same goals.
Visibility: Workflow and project management software can help to improve visibility into projects by providing dashboards and reports that track progress and identify potential problems. This can help to prevent problems from becoming bigger issues down the road.
Alignment: Workflow and project management software can help to align team members around common goals by providing a shared understanding of the project plan. This can help to keep everyone motivated and working towards the same thing.
Efficiency: Workflow and project management software can help to improve efficiency by automating tasks and providing insights into how to optimize processes. This can help to save time and money, and free up team members to focus on more important tasks. It also eliminates redundancies that you’re paying for, whether or not they’re helping.

The Right Support Staff + Software

Having good software allows the following personnel to do their jobs better and easier day in, year out.

A project manager can use workflow software to create a task list for a new project. The software can then be used to track the progress of each task, assign it to a team member, and set deadlines. This can help to ensure that the project stays on track and that everyone knows what they need to do.
A team of engineers can use project management software to collaborate on a design project. The software can be used to share files, track changes, and resolve conflicts. This can help to ensure that the design is completed on time and within budget.
A sales and marketing team can use workflow software to track leads and opportunities. The software can be used to automate tasks such as sending follow-up emails and scheduling appointments. This can help the sales team to be more efficient and productive.

Workflow and project management software can be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. By solving the problems mentioned above, these tools can help businesses to improve communication, collaboration, visibility, alignment, and efficiency.

This can lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and improved bottom line results.

More Tips for Creating an Efficient and High-Trust Workplace

Setting the example and expectation early for company culture and performance will go a lont way in sifting out the fools’ gold, when it comes to retaining 5-star employees:

Set clear expectations: Make sure that employees know what is expected of them in terms of their roles and responsibilities.
Communicate effectively: Be open and transparent with employees, and make sure that they have a way to communicate with you.
Treat employees fairly: Be consistent in your expectations and treatment of all employees. Lack of recourse for poorly performing employees drags everyone down.
Create a positive work environment: Promote a work environment that is supportive, respectful, and fun. Praise in public, discipline in private.
Provide opportunities for growth: Offer employees opportunities to learn and develop new skills.
Recognize and appreciate employees: Let employees know that you appreciate their hard work and contributions.

By following these tips, businesses can create a workplace that is productive and cohesive, where employees are happy and engaged.

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Blunt Force Trauma – A Major Cause of Death and Chronic Health Problems

Blunt force trauma is a type of injury that occurs when the body is hit with a blunt object. This can happen in a variety of ways, such as in a car accident, a fall, or a physical assault.

Blunt force trauma (BFT) is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 50,000 fatalities each year. BFT can be caused by a variety of mechanisms, including falls, motor vehicle crashes, violence, and sports injuries.

Blunt Force Trauma Deaths

Falls are the most common cause of BFT fatalities, accounting for about 20,000 deaths each year. Falls are especially dangerous for older adults, who are more likely to sustain serious injuries from a fall.

Motor vehicle crashes are another major cause of BFT fatalities, accounting for about 15,000 deaths each year. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 1-34.

Violence is a third major cause of BFT fatalities, accounting for about 10,000 deaths each year. Violence can be intentional, such as homicide or assault, or unintentional, such as a fall from a height during a fight. Indeed, all it takes is a sucker punch and someone to fall back and hit their skull on the hard floor or pavement to kill someone.

Sports injuries can also cause BFT fatalities, accounting for about 5,000 deaths each year. Sports injuries are most common in contact sports, such as football and hockey.

The mortality rate for BFT is high. About 70% of people who sustain a BFT injury die within one year. The mortality rate is even higher for people who are older, have underlying health conditions, or are injured in a high-speed crash.

I remember a friend of mine talking about someone who died at a job site where a tree limb fell and hit them on the head and they died. Indeed, blunt force trauma is one of the biggest killers around, though few know it.

Types of Blunt Force Injuries

Blunt force trauma can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

Head injuries: Head injuries are the most common type of blunt force trauma injury. They can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries, such as skull fractures and brain contusions.
Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. These injuries can be life-threatening.
Soft tissue injuries: Blunt force trauma can also cause soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes. These injuries are usually not life-threatening, but they can be painful and can lead to infection.

Blunt force can adequately be identified as the proximate cause of death in the example of someone who experiences an automobile accident, then dies from pneumonia while in the hospital on life support.

What are blunt force trauma-related long-term chronic health issues?

Blunt force trauma can cause long-term problems, including:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a physical assault. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
Chronic pain: Blunt force trauma can cause chronic pain in the area of the injury. This pain can be severe and can interfere with daily activities.
Cognitive impairment: Blunt force trauma can cause cognitive impairment, such as difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making. This impairment can be mild or severe and can affect a person’s ability to work, go to school, and live independently.
Physical disability: Blunt force trauma can cause physical disabilities, such as paralysis, amputation, and chronic pain. These disabilities can be permanent and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

If you have experienced blunt force trauma, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you are treated, the better your chances of recovery. You may also want to consider seeking counseling or therapy to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of blunt force trauma.

Tips for preventing blunt force trauma

Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle.
Use a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
Be aware of your surroundings when walking or running.
Avoid physical violence.
Get regular medical checkups.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from blunt force trauma and its long-term health consequences.

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