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In contrast to recreational boating issues that are linked to an increasing number or diversity of vessels on the water (i.e., overcrowding and multiple-use conflicts), safety issues rarely correlate to overall boating levels. In fact, research shows that most boating-related accidents, injuries and fatalities are linked to irresponsible and inappropriate vessel use rather than to the number of vessels on the water (American Red Cross 1991; NTSB 1998).
Congress addressed this issue in 1971 by passing the Safe Boating Act, which expanded the USCG’s role in supervising public waterways and enhanced its ability to improve recreational boating safety. Despite this federal action, however, many local and state law enforcement agencies continue to struggle with maintaining a safe recreational boating environment. In recent years, this struggle has been exacerbated by notable increases in PWC use. PWC have certain characteristics that may make them more difficult to control than other vessels, especially for young or inexperienced riders (Williams 1996). These characteristics, combined with the thrill-seeking behavior of some PWC riders, give rise to distinct differences in the cause and nature of PWC safety incidents (American Academy of Pediatrics 2000; Branch et al. 1997; Clarke 2000; Hamman 1993).
Moreover, they draw negative attention from safety officials, law officers and much of the boating public and have resulted in the implementation of PWC-specific restrictions throughout the country. Despite these safety concerns, it is difficult to ascertain whether or not PWC pose a more eminent threat than other vessels. Vessel-specific accidents and injuries cannot be quantified because of insufficient reporting and incomplete accident and injury data makes it difficult to estimate, much less compare, the relative safety of different vessel types (NTSB 1998). Nonetheless, PWC are widely perceived to be a threat to public safety and this perception continues to be a driving force behind many PWC management initiatives.
