Many types of accidents occur in the world. However, boat accidents are one of the most common accidents. Every year lots of accidents happen in the river and sea. And most people die in this accident. But do you know why people die here?
Now, I will share what is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Because this is the common question that I got from my audience. In this article, I will describe this cause of death. So, let's get started on our journey:
What Is a Leading Cause of Death for Paddlers in Small Crafts Such As Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts
Now, I will discuss the most common topic. Because lots of people tell me to write about this. Because every year lots of people die in boat accidents. However, there are several mistakes people make.
That's why these deaths happen regularly. But if you know the leading cause of death, you can avoid these accidents. You must know what is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. So, let's learn about this:
1. Drowning
Drowning is one of the most common issues. It is the common leading cause of death for small craft paddlers. However, most of the accidents happen in this case. Paddlers have a lot more risk than others.
Besides, recreational paddlers also face this drowning risk. In the USA, every year, more than 800 people die from drowning.
Moreover, you have to be aware and avoid alcohol while paddling. So, you must wear a life jacket and avoid drowning.
2. Lack of Experience
Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are very popular all over the world. However, millions of people enjoy this sport. But these sports are not perfect for everyone. Besides, paddlers who are inexperienced face a lot of problems. Because novice paddlers don't take their time in learning.
Moreover, inexperienced paddlers cannot control their boats in the waves. Every year most of the paddlers died in the inexperienced. So, lack of experience can cause death.
3. Weather Condition
Weather conditions are another critical issue for the death of paddlers. Because it is tough to kayak, raft, or canoe in all weather.
However, if you go paddling in lousy weather, you will run into a hazardous problem. Some dangerous situations are heavy rains, rough seas, high wind, etc. With this condition, you can drown in the water. It will take you to death. So, don't paddle in the bad weather.
4. Equipment Failure
Due to equipment failure, paddlers get at risk when they are paddling with small crafts. However, this problem is faced by novice paddlers.
Because they cannot determine the equipment problem before departure. But it is essential to know about your equipment correctly.
Otherwise, you will face a lot of problems while paddling. Most people die from equipment failure every year.
5. Inebriation
Many people are drunk while paddling in the river. In the last few years, most deaths have been caused by intoxication. It can happen mainly to those who cooperate with small crafts.
However, when people are affected by alcohol, they cannot control their boats and own. And this is a hazardous problem. Many deaths occur just because of drunkenness. So, be careful when you are paddling.
6. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is another great threat for paddlers who are conducting small crafts. However, some vessels don't have a heat insulation system. And there is a high chance that paddlers are affected by hypothermia. For that reason, their bodies start to lose heat faster.
If you cannot treat quickly while paddling, your body will freeze. It will be impossible to move your body. Besides, you can avoid this danger by keeping yourself warm and hydrated. When you feel hypothermia, you must take a break from paddling.
7. Boating Accident
Boating accidents are the most common cause of death for paddlers. However, this accident happens when paddlers lose their destination. It also occurs when the boat passenger becomes panicked or loses control. Going overboard is another common type of boat accident.
Moreover, there are other causes of boat accidents. Some are: crashes with other boats, collides with objects in the water, getting caught in fishing nets, etc.
But those who are wearing life jackets can avoid dying in an accident. So, be careful when you are boating with a small craft.
8. Boat Capsizing
Boating is very popular in every country. But small watercraft are very risky for paddling. However, boat capsizing is one of the most common issues of death.
Besides, it happens when your vessel is unstable in water. It could be dangerous for paddlers. Because at that moment, paddlers cannot control their boat perfectly.
9. Dehydration
Dehydration is another leading cause of death for paddlers in crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and crafts. However, it is most common for recreational paddlers.
Dehydration happens for poor water drink, lost fluid from evaporation, excessive sweating, etc. Worthy of mentioning, this is a widespread issue in the river or sea. And many people died because of this. You can avoid this by drinking sufficient water and eating enough idle food.
10. Sunburn
Sunburn is another widespread issue for paddlers. Most paddlers face this problem. The heat generated from the sun can affect vessel riding and paddling.
However, it will give you a scary experience while paddling. Those who do not wear a proper dress to avoid overheating can get sunburn. Some people get sunstroke from sunburn.
Minimize the Risk of Drowning In Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts
Everyone wants to avoid the risk of drawing in water from canoes, kayaks, and rafts. For this, you have to maintain some caution. Most people don't obey this caution, and that's why many deaths happen.
Now, I will discuss how you can minimize the risk of drowning in small crafts. So, let's know about this:
1. Wearing a Life Jacket
When you think of your safety and security in water, then life jackets are essential things. However, without a life jacket, your safety is impossible.
At least carry a life jacket when paddling or traveling in the river or sea. It can save your life from dangerous situations. It can be your perfect floatation device in water.
2. Check the Weather Condition before Departure
Before departure with your vessel, check your weather condition. Don't go paddling on windy and rainy days. Because this type of weather is dangerous for paddling.
However, bad weather affects your boating experience. But the weather changes suddenly. So, before going, take all the essential elements.
3. Don’t Paddle Alone
Most experts say that it doesn't paddle alone. Because if you face a dangerous situation, others can rescue you. But this change will be minimized when you paddle alone.
However, always try to paddle with friends or other small groups of paddlers. So, you can help each other in bad situations.
4. Practice Paddling Regularly
Practice makes a man perfect. Before paddling in the deep river, you must practice in the shallow water under experts.
Because beginner paddlers cannot paddle in the deep river without practice. When you are sure that now you are ready, then go for that. Otherwise, practice paddling regularly.
5. Take Standard Size Craft
Most paddlers make common mistakes when choosing a craft. You cannot take any size craft for you. Try to choose the standard size craft for yourself. It can comfort you in the paddling and minimize the risk of accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Kayaking So Hazardous?
Because you are kayaking in the water. And it could be dangerous if you cannot swim. Because in the river or sea there is a high chance of drowning. If you cannot swim, kayaking will be hazardous for you.
Is It Permissible To Kayak Alone?
The decision is yours. If you want, then you can kayak alone. But experts say that one doesn't do this alone. Because if you are faced with danger, then others can rescue you.
How Long Can A Kayak Be Used?
It will depend on your use. If you are a heavy user, then it cannot last long. But the ideal period of lasting kayaking is ten years. You can easily use it for at least 5-6 years without hassle.
Ending Thought
I hope now you can get your answer. Most people want to know what is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Because in the last few years, many people have been getting dead while paddling with small craft.
Moreover, you can be cautious if you don't know why this death happened. In this article, I shared everything about the leading cause of death.
And also tell you to minimize the risk of drowning in the river or sea. So, read this article attentively and avoid the risk of death during paddling time.