Lake tourism fatalities: a 46-year history of death at Lake Powell

• Published in: Journal of travel medicine Vol. 25; no. 1
• Main Author: Heggie, Travis W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Accidents - mortality; Cause of Death; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Lakes; Male; Recreation; Retrospective Studies; Travel - history; Travel - statistics & numerical data; United States - epidemiology; Water Sports - statistics & numerical data; United States
• ISSN: 1708-8305; 1708-8305
• DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay037

This study investigates tourist mortality at Lake Powell over a 46-year period. To date no comprehensive long-term investigation examining the relationship between the lake environment and tourist mortality exists. A retrospective study was conducted of all tourist fatalities between 1959 and 2005. There were 351 fatal incidents resulting in 386 deaths between 1959 and 2005. Over the 46-year period, the average number of fatalities was 8.4 (±5.26) per year. Out of all fatalities, 282 were classified as accidental, 80 were classified as natural deaths, 13 were suicides and 5 were classified as homicides. Males accounted for 80% of fatalities and tourists aged 20-29 years and 10-19 years accounted for 36% of all fatalities. The highest number of fatalities was recorded in July (74), May (64), August (63) and June (59). Out of all accidental deaths, boating (29%) and swimming (22%) were the most common pre-death activities. High winds capsizing boats and carbon monoxide poisoning from boat engines were common factors contributing to 31 boating fatalities. Fatigue and exhaustion contributed to 22 swimming deaths. Recreational boating and swimming account for over half of all accidental deaths. Tourists visiting Lake Powell for recreational purposes should be informed of the risks associated with the lake environment.