Boating fatalities on the rise.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief Article

The Coast Guard hopes that the latest accident statistics will convince individuals of the need to boat more safely. In a recent 12-month period, fatalities were up from 681 to 750, reversing a downward trend. Eighty-five percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Boating fatalities involving alcohol use rose to 39%. Approximately 80% of all reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Twenty-eight children age 12 and under lost their lives. Nearly 40% of those youngsters were not wearing life jackets. More adults between 30-39 years old died than any other age group, accounting for one-fifth of total...