Which is the major cause of fatalities involving small boats?

Falling overboard and drowning is the major cause of fatalities involving small boats because it often occurs unexpectedly and can happen in calm conditions as well as rough seas. When individuals fall overboard, their chances of survival can diminish rapidly due to various factors including potential injury upon entering the water and the effects of cold water, which can impair one's ability to swim or stay afloat. Additionally, many boaters might not wear life jackets, which increases the risk of drowning if they end up in the water. Furthermore, a significant number of drowning victims were reported not to have been wearing personal flotation devices when they fell overboard, underscoring the importance of safety measures.

This highlight on falling overboard emphasizes the need for boaters to understand safety practices, such as wearing life jackets and securing items on boats to prevent accidents, making it essential knowledge for maintaining safety on the water.