Trends Reports
Canadian Recreational Boating Trend Reports 1991-2008
Boating, Immersion and Trauma Deaths in Canada: 18 Years of Research, and Boating, Immersion and Trauma Deaths in Canada: 16 Years of Research provide an overview of 18 years of data on all boating related fatalities in Canada with an emphasis on recreational boating incidents. The main focuses of the reports are personal, equipment and environmental risk factors. The reports reveal that between 1991-2008, boating accounted for an estimated total over 3000 fatalities in Canada, 86% of which occurred while participating in some form of recreational boating activity.
The research was conducted by the Canadian Red Cross (CRC), with support from Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety, to provide a profile for prevention, as well as a guide for survival for current and future boating enthusiasts, including owners and passengers of a variety of motorized and human-powered water craft. After all, boating safety is a shared responsibility.
10-Year Study on Drownings in Canada
This comprehensive study, the first of its kind, examines the circumstances surrounding drowning deaths in Canada between the years 1991and 2000. What sets this study apart from other annual reports of drowning statistics is the detailed analysis of long-term trends. This new study provides critical insight into the causes of drowning and makes detailed recommendations on how to prevent more deaths.
Module 1 - Overview
Module 1: Overview reviews methodology, identifies high risk population groups, activities and other risk factors such as equipment, examines trends, and offers recommendations to reduce the risk of drowning including education, legislation and enforcement. The remaining five modules explore specific subcategories of water-related fatalities in even more detail.
Overview (PDF, 3mb)
Module 2 - Ice & Cold Water
The Ice & Cold Water Module of the study focuses on the causes of drowning related to ice and cold water immersion. An average of 200 people per year die as a result of cold water immersion and more than half of these deaths occur during recreational activities. Fishing, including recreational, commercial and subsistence, was the most frequent activity for cold-water boating incidents. Only one out of every five people involved in boating immersion deaths were reported to be properly wearing a flotation device.
Ice & Cold Water (PDF, 4mb)
Module 3 – Boating & Powerboats
Module 4 – Unpowered Boating
Ten years of research across Canada show that the vast majority of boaters who die - whether in powered or unpowered boats — have neglected basic principles of boating safety such as always wearing a flotation device, using protective equipment against cold
immersion, and verifying weather conditions such as wind, waves, and water temperature. It is probable that most victims failed to obtain appropriate training in boating safety, and that many had inadequate swimming skills to cope with unexpected immersion.
Boating & Powerboats (PDF, 1mb)
Unpowered Boating (PDF, 690kb)
Module 5 - Fishing
Fishing in Canada is a year-round activity. This report highlights the need for fishers to equip themselves with appropriate gear for each type of fishing. The report identifies the need for personal buoyancy gear not only for boaters but also for those who fish from shore, in the water or on ice, as falls into water or through ice are surprisingly common. Ice fishers, as well as those who fish during spring and fall, should also consider wearing thermal protective gear.
Fishing (PDF, 1mb)
If you have queries regarding our drowning research reports, please send your query to feedback@redcross.ca with the subject title: Drowning Research Question and your message will be forwarded the appropriate Red Cross member for follow up.
Posted May 14, 2009/Updated July 2, 2009
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