What is identified as the primary cause of fatalities involving small boats?

The primary cause of fatalities involving small boats is falling overboard and drowning. This highlights the significant risks associated with not wearing life jackets, the potential for accidents leading to individuals unexpectedly entering the water, and the challenges of reboarding a small boat. Many fatalities occur because individuals in the water are unable to stay afloat or swim back to safety, particularly if they are not equipped with a personal flotation device. The statistics emphasize the importance of safety measures, such as always wearing life jackets when on small boats, as it greatly enhances survival chances in the event of an accident or fall overboard.

While incidents like boating under the influence, mechanical failures, or collisions can also contribute to boating accidents, they are not as commonly associated with fatalities as the risk of drowning after falling overboard. Thus, understanding this primary cause is crucial for taking proactive safety measures while boating.