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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 April 2023
These deaths include accidents involving some form of water transport.
Deaths due to accidental drowning that do not involve water transport are covered in Map 27 Accidental drowning. See also Map 42 Suicide/undetermined by drowning.
This is a relatively rare cause of death – on average there has been less than one death per week. However, we can still see the geographical pattern that we would expect for this cause with deaths clustered around coastal areas. It should be noted that the deaths mapped here are coded according to the residence of the deceased, not their place of death. Those who live near the coast are more likely to work in and to participate in water-based leisure activities and are thus at more risk of dying from this cause as a result. More than nine out of ten of these deaths are of males.
It is estimated that some 450,000 boats are kept in the UK (British Marine Federation); the majority of these will be for leisure purposes. The type of vessels used include yachts, small sailboats, motor boats, power boats, jetskis, rowing boats and canoes. As well in coastal waters, boats are also used on lakes, rivers and canals. There is no legal requirement for a civilian leisure vessel under 20m in length to be registered or for the person in charge of it to be qualified or competent. Alcohol is involved in many accidents of this nature. Most harbours have byelaws banning people from taking out a boat while under the influence of alcohol. There is legislation regarding alcohol and drug limits as well as a testing regime for professional seamen (since March 2004) in line with those that apply on the roads; at time of writing the Department for Transport had just published the responses to a consultation paper on extending the legislation to non-professional mariners.
Occupational groups that may be at risk of this cause of death include fishermen and dock workers as well as those working on container ships, oil tankers, ferries, water buses and cruise ships. A study by Roberts (2002) showed that merchant seafaring and trawler fishing are the most hazardous of all occupations and that many of the deaths of people in these occupations are caused by work-related accidents.
Roberts, S.E.
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