Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

The concern for the safety and well-being of non-motorized boating users has increased as the interest and participation in these activities has risen. Little research has been conducted around non-motorized boating risk and fatality.

EPIC is documenting the prevalence of boating fatalities and rescues in Washington state; comparing Washington’s rates of fatalities and rescues to other states and developing recommendations about effective and collective ways to increase boater safety in the state.

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Report Overview

This report provides background into non-motorized boating activity in Washington State including an overview of existing research and Washington law; a study of non-motorized boating fatalities from Washington State Parks Boating Program’s Boat Accident Report Database (BARD) by county; feedback from stakeholders in the Washington State boating industry; comparisons between Washington State and other
states nationally using the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS); and recommendations for increased boater safety in Washington State.

Contact

General inquiries about the report may be addressed to: evansepic@uw.edu.