What is the major cause of fatalities involving small boats?

Falling overboard and drowning is the primary cause of fatalities involving small boats, as these incidents account for a significant percentage of boating-related deaths. Many accidents occur when individuals lose their balance, fail to wear a personal flotation device (PFD), or are not properly educated about the risks associated with being on the water. Once a person falls overboard, the chances of drowning increase dramatically, especially if they are not wearing a life jacket or if they become incapacitated due to cold water or shock.

In understanding the context of this issue, it is important to recognize that while other factors such as collisions, running out of fuel, and adverse weather conditions can contribute to boating accidents, they do not account for fatalities to the same extent as falling overboard and drowning. Wearing life jackets and having a proper understanding of boating safety protocols can significantly reduce the risk of these tragic incidents.