Alcohol-Related Boating Deaths in CT Exceed National Rate

The the number of alcohol-related boating deaths in Connecticut have increased since 2006 and exceed the national rate, according to the New Haven Independent.

A review of state and U.S. Coast Guard data by the Connecticut Health I-Team reveals that the number of alcohol-related boating deaths in the state jumped to 22 between 2006 and 2010, compared to six between 2001 and 2005. The highest number of deaths to occur in one year was seven, which occurred in 2008.

And while alcohol was reported as a contributing factor in just five deaths nationally, one-third of all boating deaths in Connecticut cited alcohol as a contributing factor. The Coast Guard, however, says that states with higher rates may provide better reports on these accidents.

"Sadly, the majority of boating accidents are entirely preventable," Connecticut-based personal injury lawyer . "Many collisions and accidents involving personal watercraft and other vessels are caused by negligence, intoxication, equipment failure, inadequate training, or weather and water conditions. The inexperience or the errors of the person operating the vessel also cause collisions."