Using watercraft is inherently hazardous, as is working over or near water. In the most recent year with complete data, the US Coast Guard reports that there were 4062 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. and its territories in which 626 lives were lost and 2,620 were injured. Almost 76% of the fatal accident victims drowned, and of these, 85% were reported as not wearing a life jacket. Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length. 

Additional contributing factors for deaths were hazardous waters, operator inattention, weather, operator inexperience, excessive speed, improper lookout, drug use, navigation rules violation, sharp turn, restricted vision, failure to vent, and inadequate onboard navigation lights. Read the latest recreational boating accident statistics as compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard to learn from others’ mistakes. 

Reference Regulations: Boating Rules and Regulations (Mi Dept of Natural Resources)