Boating Accident Statistics

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard has compiled boating statistics for 2004.

They have asked users of their report to be aware of many facts that may affect the results of analysis of accident report data:

• The report does not include every accident involving a recreational vessel.  Some accidents are not in the system because they may not be required to be reported.  Many accidents are not reported because boaters are not aware of the accident reporting regulations or fail to comply with the regulations.  It is believed, however, that nearly all fatal recreational boating accidents are included in this report.
• Federal regulations do not require the reporting of accidents on private waters where States have no jurisdiction.  Reports of accidents on such waters are included in this report when received by the Coast Guard if they satisfy the other requirements for inclusion.
• Non-fatal accident statistics are based strictly on the number of accidents reported, thus the actual number of boating accidents is presumed to be much greater

Top Ten Contributing Factors

1. Careless/Reckless Operation  (570 accidents – 43 fatalities)
2. Operator Inattention   (562 accidents – 55 fatalities)
3. Operator Inexperience   (406 accidents – 42 fatalities)
4. Excessive Speed   (401 accidents – 39 fatalities)
5. Hazardous Waters   (312 accidents – 57 fatalities)
6. Alcohol Use    (296 accidents – 109 fatalities)
7. Passenger/Skier Behavior  (291 accidents – 26 fatalities)
8. Machinery System Failure  (285 accidents – 21 fatalities)
9. No Proper Lookout   (271 accidents – 11 fatalities)
10. Rules of the Road Violation  (188 accidents – 13 fatalities)

Top Five Accident Types

1. Collision with Vessel  (1,479 accidents – 68 fatalities)
2. Collision with Fixed Object (525 accidents – 46 fatalities)
3. Falls Overboard   (488 accidents – 199 fatalities)
4. Capsizing    (393 accidents – 184 fatalities)
5. Skier Mishap   (380 accidents – 7 fatalities)

Causes of Death

1. Drowning    (484 fatalities)
2. Trauma     (114 fatalities)
3. Other     (32 fatalities)
4. Hypothermia    (10 fatalities)
5. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  (2 fatalities)
6. Unknown    (34 unknown)

General Boating Statistics

• In 2004, there were approximately 12,781,476 registered recreational boats.  Of which, 4,904 boating accidents were reported, resulting in 676 fatalities, 3,363 injuries and approximately $35,038,306 in property damage.
• Approximately 70% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned (484 out of 676).  Approximately 90% of the victims who drowned were not wearing life jackets.  Approximately 431 live could have been saved last year if boaters had worn their lifejackets.
• Alcohol was involved in approximately 1/3 of all boating fatalities.

For additional information contained in the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Coast Guard 2004 Report, visit U.S. Coast Guard Boating Statistics.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, call Cellino & Barnes now at 1-800-483-2050 or contact us by clicking on Buffalo / Rochester Boating Injury Lawyer.  

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