Discussion
This report summarizes the findings from the survey of Kingston and area boaters conducted in 2010. The questionnaire used for this survey was designed to gather attitudes and behaviours of respondents regarding common boating issues (e.g. PFD usage, drinking alcohol while boating). This information can be used to inform alcohol-related injury prevention programming especially when related to boating.
The information gathered through this survey can contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of the Safe & Sober Community Alliance. It has added to our knowledge of boaters in the area and the prevalence of risky behaviour on the water. We have seen a significant increase in the use of personal PFD use since the 1994 boating survey. However, there is still resistance by boat operators to insist passengers wear PFDs even while there is considerable evidence of the risk of drowning. A review of all accidental drowning deaths in Ontario that occurred between May and August of 2010 determined that of the 23 total drowning deaths due to boating, 22 of 23 (96%) were not wearing a lifejacket.4
The results of this study show there is still a small proportion of the boating population who choose to drink and operate a boat and a slightly larger proportion who will be a passenger on a boat while consuming alcohol. The choice to drink on a boat whether as the operator or a passenger may persist in part due to the perception of some respondents that law enforcement on the water is minimal and therefore the risk of being caught is low. There is also confusion over whether it is legal to drink while underway or not. The Chief Coroner of Ontario's report on drowning showed that the use of alcohol probably played a role in 79% of those who drowned between 15-34 years.4
A small proportion of respondents participated in other risky boating behaviours, such as boating during a small craft warning or during months of the year when the weather, and water, are very cold. It could be that those who choose to drink on the water are also more willing to participate in other risky boating behaviours. Further data analysis would be required to determine whether this is the case for these respondents.
When Transport Canada introduced the PCOC requirement it was, in part, to make boating safer for everyone. And while the majority of respondents indicated they have their PCOC, they did not feel there was adequate training to obtain the card and therefore were very unsure whether this requirement had improved water safety.
Recommendations for the Safe & Sober Community Alliance Safe Boating Working Group
- Continue to work with partners using appropriate health promotion strategies, such as healthy public policy, creating supportive environments, and strengthening community action, to encourage the following behaviours in boaters:
- PFD use by boat operators and passengers;
- Abstain from drinking alcohol while operating a boat;
- Learn when it is legal to drink alcohol on a boat; and
- Learn the risks of drinking alcohol as a boat passenger.
- As a working group, discuss the options for advocacy to encourage more rigorous training and/or testing to obtain the Pleasure Craft Operator Card and advocate for an increase in police presence on the water.