The United States Coast Guard (USCG) publishes information on jet ski accidents every year.
These general reports cover all registered recreational boats, including motorboats, houseboats, sailboats, rowboats, and many more, in addition to jet skis. As a result, the volume of information may seem overwhelming at first.
The most significant jet ski-related data has been compiled in one chart by Parasailings after carefully reviewing these reports to aid in your study. Without further ado, let’s review the data for jet ski accidents from 2004 to the present.
Jet Ski Accident Statistics
There are around 12 million registered recreational watercraft in the United States, including about 1.5 million jet skis, according to the studies. Jet skis make up only a small portion of all registered watercraft, yet they account for 20% of all recorded incidents annually.
These facts suggest that jet skis are riskier than boats or any other type of watercraft. A jet ski rider is also far more vulnerable to injury in an accident since jet skis provide much less protection than boats.
According to the USCG study, 600″700 jet ski accidents are recorded year with an average of 40 fatalities; however, this trend has been waning over the previous 10 years.
Personal Watercraft Accident Statistics
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are the second most typical vessel type to be involved in recreational boat accidents nationwide. According to the 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics from the US Coast Guard:
- Personal watercraft were involved in 18% of recorded recreational boat accidents (where the kind of vessel was known).
- Accidents involving personal watercraft claimed 46 lives. 26 persons passed away from various causes, while 17 drowned.
- Accidents involving personal watercraft injured 624 people.
The following 14 factors were among the 14 causes of personal watercraft accidents in New York in 2018:
- 27 collisions with recreational boats which resulted in 19 injuries and two deaths.
- There were 14 incidents when someone got off a jet ski or other personal watercraft and was thrown, causing 11 injuries and two fatalities.
- There are five capsizings, one injury, and one fatality.
- Two injuries were caused by three groundsings.
- There were three commercial boat crashes, but no one was hurt.
- One person was hurt and one person died as a consequence of two accidents with floating items.
- There were two accidents with stationary objects, but no one was hurt.
- There was one injury from a single personal watercraft fall.
- Two injuries came up as a result of one overboard fall.
- One injury brought caused by one fire or explosion.
- One deluge or swamping that had no fatalities.
- One was hurt when they were hit by a boat.
- There were five more, not previously mentioned reasons that led to two injuries but no fatalities.
- There was just one unidentified cause, with no victims.
Causes Of Jet Ski Accidents
Are you wondering what the main causes of serions jet ski accidents are?
Inexperienced operator: According to the reports, the operator’s inexperience is the primary cause of jet ski accidents. Without any prior expertise, one may rent or buy a jet ski, which increases the risk of major accidents.
Recklessness: On the opposite end of the scale, there are skilled riders who want to use their jet skis in an unsafe manner. This typically entails risky exploits like massive wave jumping or other antics, especially in close proximity to ports or other structures. Too much speed is another frequent reason for deadly jet ski accidents.
Surprisingly, the design of jet skis might result in a lot of accidents. Unfortunately, many jet ski models are still produced without brakes, which makes handling more challenging for novices. In addition, turning requires acceleration since the rider loses control without it. Through history, mishaps have resulted from this.
The use of drugs or alcohol while operating a jet ski is not only dangerous, but it is also against the law. Despite this, inebriated drivers were frequently to blame for accidents!
Weather: Riding a jet ski in poor visibility or inclement weather may be difficult as well as dangerous. Despite the value of doing so, many cyclists fail to check the weather before their trip.
Water sports: Without proper training or experience, tow sports like wakeboarding may also be deadly.
Jet Ski Accident Statistics FAQs
We gathered some commonly asked questions and responses regarding the statistics of jet ski fatalities in order to make it clearer.
Can You Die On A Jet Ski?
Sadly, a catastrophic accident might cause you to pass away while riding a jet ski. For this reason, it is strongly advised that you obtain a jet ski license and learn the correct way to drive a jet ski. Don’t forget to include the necessary safety equipment as well!
Can You Die From Falling Off A Jet Ski?
There are documented occasions where someone died after falling off a jet ski, despite the fact that it happens extremely infrequently. These incidents included passengers who fell behind the jet ski, causing the pump to drive water into their orifices, causing fatal injuries.
If you or your passenger collides with a jet ski, boat, or other item rather than falling into the water, that might be a significant problem as well. Be cautious at all times, keep your speed under control, and become proficient at sharing a jet ski with others to prevent these problems.
How Many People Die On Jet Skis?
The U.S. Coast Guard Accident Statistics show that 40 to 50 persons have died on jet skis annually in recent years. In addition, 600″700 injuries connected to jet ski accidents have been documented.
