Georgia Boating Fatalities Surge, EMS Funding Gap Worsens

Georgia’s boating fatalities surged by 30% in 2024, and 57 drownings were reported. Despite this alarming rise, EMS funding for boating safety has not seen an increase, leaving first responders stretched thin. The result? More preventable deaths, delayed response times, and a system ill-prepared to handle a growing crisis.

In a year marked by 259 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests, the state’s lack of focus on EMS funding directly contributed to slower response times and a mounting death toll. While the Georgia Department of Natural Resources continues to push for safety measures, the lack of adequate EMS support raises serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are allocated to ensure public safety.

Jones & Swanson’s latest study reveals the dangerous gap between increasing boating accidents and underfunded EMS services. It’s clear that Georgia’s EMS system is struggling to keep up with rising boating fatalities, and the state’s failure to allocate funds properly is putting lives at risk. This is a public safety emergency that requires immediate attention.

Key Findings:

• 57 drownings in Georgia in 2024, marking a 30% increase compared to 2023.
• 259 BUI arrests in 2024, signaling a strong link between alcohol use and fatal accidents.
• EMS funding for boating-specific support has remained stagnant despite a rise in incidents.
• Delayed response times are contributing to avoidable fatalities due to insufficient resources.
• Boating-specific funding allocation is failing to meet demand spikes during high-risk seasons.
• States with adequate EMS funding have lower fatality rates and faster response times

Georgia Boating Incident Data: 2023 vs. 2024:

Acworth:

Despite a 20% decrease in drownings from 2023 to 2024, Acworth remains a high-risk region with 64 BUI arrests and 3 fatalities in 2024. This highlights that the high rate of boating under the influence (BUI) incidents continues to exacerbate fatalities. In addition, delays in EMS response times in the region are prolonging survival chances. The absence of life jacket mandates for teens aged 13–17 is a significant factor, leaving many adolescents unprotected during peak boating seasons.

Gainesville:

This region saw a 25% increase in drownings and a 9.1% rise in BUI arrests, marking it as a boating safety hotspot. With a 25% increase in fatalities, the data strongly correlates with the lack of EMS funding, which is preventing timely interventions. Teens are especially vulnerable here, as they face high risks from alcohol-related boating incidents. Expanding life jacket laws to include teens could significantly reduce these numbers.

Albany:

Albany experienced a 20% increase in drownings and a striking 28.6% surge in fatalities in 2024. With 30 BUI arrests recorded, the region’s underfunded EMS system is a major contributor to slow response times and worsening outcomes. The lack of life jacket mandates for teens is directly linked to the increased fatality rate. Expanding these regulations could prevent many of these tragic deaths.

Brunswick:

While Brunswick shows a 16.7% reduction in drownings, 10 BUI incidents and 2 fatalities still occurred in 2024, highlighting the ongoing boating safety issue. The lack of adequate funding for EMS services remains a critical issue, delaying timely rescues and contributing to fatalities. Brunswick needs a stronger emphasis on EMS resource allocation to combat these accidents effectively.

Thomson:

Drownings increased by 14.3% and BUI arrests rose by 12.5% in Thomson, indicating that the boating safety crisis is extending to regions previously considered lower-risk. The lack of expanded life jacket mandates and insufficient funding for EMS services is exacerbating the problem, making EMS funding reform a priority for effective response.

The EMS system in Georgia is underfunded and overwhelmed by the increasing frequency of boating accidents. With 57 drownings and 20 fatalities already reported in 2024, EMS systems are ill-equipped to manage this growing crisis, leading to avoidable deaths. The tragic case of a 16-year-old drowning at Tybee Island highlights the dangerous flaws in the current regulations.

States like California, with more robust EMS funding and extended life jacket laws, have successfully reduced teen drownings by up to 30%. Georgia must act now before this growing gap in funding leads to more preventable fatalities. The time to address this issue is now, and policymakers must take immediate action to reallocate funds to EMS systems before more lives are lost.