The lack of life jacket use remains a troubling trend among boaters, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions (AGFC) 2024 year-end boating accident report.
Over the past year, only 20% of the 207 individuals involved in boating accidents were wearing a life jacket. Of the nine fatalities recorded, only one victim had a life jacket on.
AGFC Boating Law Administrator Sydney Grant said that in many fatal accidents on Arkansas waters, life jackets were available but not worn.
Arkansas law requires all vessels to have at least one properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person onboard. Children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
Wearing a life jacket is essential, even for strong swimmers. Grant says “Swimming in a pool is much different than falling unprepared into the water fully clothed. And many boating accidents result in injuries, which can compound any problems with swimming. Even climbing back on board a boat can be challenging for many people without help or a ladder attached to the gunwale. That life jacket gives you the help you need to stay afloat until help arrives after an accident.”
The report also revealed that only 34% of operators involved in boating accidents in 2024 had taken a boating safety course, which is required by law for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986.
Experienced boaters were more prone to accidents, with the average age of fatality victims being 59. Operators with more than 100 hours of experience were involved in more accidents compared to those with less than 20 hours.
The leading cause of boating accidents in 2024 was operator inattention, followed by inexperience, unseen water hazards, and alcohol or drug use.
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