Paddlesport Fatality Statistics Released

The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics Wednesday, revealing that boating fatalities last year totaled 610 - an increase from 2013 but still the second lowest number of boating fatalities on record.

One hundred and thirty-five(135) of those fatalities were in canoes(75), kayaks(58) and SUPs(2). This is an increase from the 114 reported in 2013.

"We thank our partners for their work in boating safety, particularly for the Wear It! and other key outreach initiatives promoting life jacket use, boating education efforts, and Operation Dry Water activities. Together, we focus on the important role of life jacket use, navigational knowledge and safe, sober boating to prevent accidents," said Capt. Jon Burton, director of inspections and compliance at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.

To view the full report, please visit www.americancanoe.org/paddlesports_statistics.

For more information on paddlesports education, instruction, and safety, please visit www.americancanoe.org.