Tim Ingram wrote:
On Internet Explorer:

1. Type USCG hit Search
2. Click on Office of Boating Safety
3. Left of page "News", "Statistics"
4. Download the Accident Statistics for each year. Read the NBSAC Minutes.
You must read the website thoroughly or you will see nothing.

In typical Timmah style, he's glommed onto a couple of insignficant
paragraphs and has tried to make a big deal out of it. Here's the text
from the meeting minutes:

"Mr. Tsuneyoshi had an observation then a question. He observed that on
a normal cycle, they get one to three paddle fatalities but after a hard
rain or spring thaw, that number jumps to six or eight, making it a
behavioral problem. Secondly, when you have a 3 percent injury rate, he
said, you need to collect accurate data so when you go to the hospital
they know that it is a paddling injury. He then asked where the ACA
stood on automatic inflating sponsons for canoes.

Mr. Yeager responded that it was a debate over sponsons. He said that
the ACA did not have an official position on the issue, but that there
were some applications where it would be appropriate. He added that it
was something that needed to be looked at closer to make sure there is
no downside to it affecting maneuverability. He compared the device to
training wheels, which serve a purpose to a certain extent. He said that
this was an issue being pushed by the private industry.

Mr. Shepard then brought up committee discussions on canoe and kayak
sponsons and stated Mr. Phil Cappel advised that research for the
effectiveness of sponsons of canoes and kayaks be developed. A short
discussion followed and on its possible effectiveness, but no further
action was taken on that item."

In other words, the subject was raised, but not seriously considered.
What's important to note is that "the ACA did not have an official
position on the issue", contrary to Timmy's mindless rants. If you view
this information in the overal context of the meeting, it's
insignificant. The major emphasis relating to canoes and kayaks is in
getting canoeist and kayakers more engaged in learning safe boating
practices, such as wearing PFDs, being visible and abiding by USCG
boating regulations.