The US Coast Guard released its 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report on Tuesday, July 1.
The report records the fewest boating fatalities since the coast guard began collecting statistics more than 50 years ago.
Fatalities fell 1.4 per cent to 556 from 564 in 2023, while overall incidents increased by 1.1 per cent from 3,844 to 3.887. Non-fatal injuries increased 2.1 per cent from 2,126 to 2,170.
Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2024, accounting for 92 deaths, or 20 per cent of total fatalities.
The fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a two per cent decrease from last year’s rate of 4.9 deaths per 100,000. In 1971, when the Safe Boating Act was first passed, the rate was 20.6 deaths per 100,000.
Property damage totalled US$88 million, and operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure and navigation rules ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
Deaths occurred predominantly on vessels operated by individuals who had not received boating safety instruction, accounting for roughly 70 per cent of fatalities. Open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats were the vessel types most involved in reported incidents.
The data in the report are based on incidents that resulted in at least one of the following: death, disappearance, injury that required medical treatment beyond first aid, damage to the vessel(s), or other property equal to or greater than US$2,000 or a loss of vessel.
"We thank our federal, state and non-profit partners who strive to make the nation’s waterways safer," said Captain Robert Compher, inspections and compliance director "We also thank recreational boaters who follow safe boating."
In addition to wearing a lifejacket and taking a boating safety course, the coast guard recommends all boaters attach the engine cutoff switch, get a free vessel safety check and boat sober.