The first order of business for the Forum was to review the trends in boating, and to find a way to address any problems relating to the way sportsmen use their boats. As the initial goal of the grant called for the examination of boating accident and fatality reports from 1995 through 1999 to see what the trends were. Deaths occur primarily from capsized boats and falls-overboard. Saturday and Sunday are the deadliest days, with Tuesday and Wednesday being the safest days. Sportsmen who die on the water almost never wear a life jacket .
Weather conditions are usually calm, clear, and warm.
Average water conditions however, are considered to be hazardous, primarily due to cold water temperature. Most Sportsmen who die on the water are between 30 and 50 years-old. Most have spent a significant amount of time, if not a life time, on the water. Most accidents happen on boats 16 feet long or less. Open motorboats, such as john-boats, skiffs, and other similar boats constitute the largest class of boats.