What You Need To Know About Boating Accidents
Being aware of boating accident statistics can help you prioritize safety when boating. While we hope you're never involved in an accident on the water, they are a reality any time you leave the dock.
Recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) give us insight into accidents that took place in 2023. Today, we give you a breakdown of those statistics, along with helpful graphics that visualize some of the data for three core factors in boating accidents: drowning, alcohol use and a lack of boater safety education.
We hope this information helps you stay safe when boating this season!
What are the Leading Causes of Most Boating Accidents?
The USCG's 2023 report also includes information on the leading causes of most boating accidents as well as a ranked list of the most common boating emergencies.
These causes include:
- Operator Inattention
- Improper Lookout
- Operator Inexperience
- Excessive Speed
- Machinery Failure
It's crucial to always pay attention when operating a boat and maintain a safe speed on the water. Also, keep your boat in good condition with regular maintenance to avoid a breakdown while away from the dock that could lead to an accident.
What are the Most Common Boating Emergencies?
Responsible boaters are always prepared for an emergency. Sometimes, accidents can happen even when applying the safest practices to operating a vessel.
However, it can help you stay safe to be aware of the most common emergencies. These include:
- Collision with a Recreational Vessel
- Collision with a Fixed Object
- Flooding/Swamping
- Grounding
- Capsizing
Make sure your boat has the right safety equipment to respond appropriately if any of these emergencies happen.
Boating Fatalities and a Lack of Boater Safety Education
Before getting out on the water, it is important to take a boater safety course that offers instruction on safety precautions.
In 2023, 75% of boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Courses like what we offer here at ilearntoboat are designed to teach the basics of boater safety and the legal requirements for boating in each state. Additionally, our courses meet the standards set by the USCG, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and relevant state boating licensing agencies for boating safety instruction.
We can't stress enough the importance of taking a boater safety course before hitting the water for the first time as a boat operator. Not only is it likely required by your state, but it can (literally) save lives!
Want to see all of these stats in one spot? Check out the full infographic below.
What is ilearntoboat? The Best Way to Put Safety First on the Water
ilearntoboat is an interactive, gamified course built around real-life scenarios and role-playing simulations. It doesn't use timers, so you can learn at your own pace with engaging lessons available on any device.
When you finish the course and pass the final exam, you then earn your boater education card and have the knowledge you need to avoid boating accidents. However, if something does go wrong on the water, you'll also know how to respond to minimize injuries or deaths from an emergency.
Again, we hope you never have to deal with an emergency while boating — and we're to help you learn how to stay safe. Choose the course for your state and start learning!
First published in October 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and recency December 6, 2024.
