Date: May 15, 2008
Contact: Susan Tomczuk
Telephone: (202)372-1103

Susan.M.Tomczuk@uscg.mil

Boating Statistics 2007Report indicates Rise in Accidents, Injuries, and Property Damage

WASHINGTON - Deaths resulting from recreational boating accidents fell in 2007, according to figures released today by the United States Coast Guard. The count dropped from 710 in 2006 to 688 in 2007, the lowest figure since 2004 and third lowest since the Coast Guard began collecting statistics specifically related to recreational boating.

While fatalities decreased, other measures - including injuries, number of accidents, and property damage - rose significantly. Injuries rose from 3,474 in 2006 to 3,686 in 2007. Reported recreational boating accidents, which reached 4,967 in 2006, climbed to 5,223. Property damage, which was a record $43,670,424 in 2006 rose further to $53,288,858 last year.

"It's gratifying to see the number of deaths going down," commented Rear Admiral James Watson, Director of Prevention Policy. "We hope that this is a result of more boaters adopting responsible boating behaviors, such as making sure that everyone on board are wearing properly-fitting Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times."

Top causes for all accidents revealed by 2007 statistics remain fairly consistent with previous years. Operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, passenger/skier behavior, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five contributing factors. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 21% of the deaths. Where instruction data was submitted, three fourths of the deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. Over two-thirds of those killed in boating accidents drowned, and of those, 90 percent were not wearing life jackets.

"Overall, boating remains a safe, enjoyable way for Americans to recreate," adds Rear Admiral Watson. "Still, 688 deaths and 5,223 accidents are way too many, especially considering that the vast majority could have been prevented through simple, responsible behavior on the part of owners and operators. We hope that all boaters such as anglers, paddlers, and open motor boat users heed these statistics and resolve to help us reduce fatalities, injuries, accidents, and property damage this year."

Boating Statistics 2007 should be released in June. The publication, along with a wealth of other free boating safety resource material, will be available for download on the Coast Guard Boating Safety Division's website, http://www.uscgboating.org/.

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons, and your State boating agency's vessel examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to "Boat Responsibly!"

For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/.

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America