Not Wearing PFDs: Higher Percentage Than Usual in 2024 Fatality Data
Moving-water accident data compiled by American Whitewater for 2024 shows a "disturbing trend" of paddlers not wearing PFDs, says Charlie Walbridge. There were 52 U.S. fatalities reported to AW; in more than half of these, 29, PFDs were not worn. "This is a much higher percentage than usual," says Charlie, who maintains the AW accident database. His theory is that the disturbing percentage reflects "the number of new paddlers getting on the water since the pandemic."
More of the deaths occurred in the first half of the year than in the second half—34 versus 18. Drought conditions in the second half in many parts of the country explain this difference, according to Charlie.
Provisional charts prepared by Charlie support these counts for type of craft involved:
- Recreational kayaks, 19
- Rafts, 14; of these, 4 were commercial rafts
- Whitewater kayaks, 6
- SUP, 5
- Canoes, 2
Fatalities arising from paddling solo or with small groups in one boat totaled 16. "Paddlers in these situations have no safety backup, and routine swims may suddenly become life threatening," Charlie says.