Accidents increase as paddle sports grow in popularity

Life jackets are a required piece of paddling gear.
(Courtesy photo/Arkansas Game and Fish)
Life jackets are a required piece of paddling gear. (Courtesy photo/Arkansas Game and Fish)


Sales of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards have surged since 2020, with more Americans than ever taking to the water aboard a paddling craft. Fatalities associated with padding craft have increased as well according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

According to the Coast Guard 2023 boating statistics, 304 injuries requiring medical attention were recorded last year from paddle craft operators, resulting in 189 fatalities. This accounted for nearly one-third of the total boating fatalities recorded during the year. Arkansas bucked this trend, recording two fatalities.

Sydney Grant, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating safety coordinator, said boaters should still pay heed to the warnings, especially as the summer sun drives many more users to Arkansas' waterways.

Life jackets are just as essential to kayakers, paddleboarders and other recreational boaters as they are to people using sailboats and motorboats.

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