Boating accidents on U.S. waters lead to serious outcomes, from injuries to fatalities. Using 2022 U.S. Coast Guard data, this page looks at who is affected and what factors show up most often—especially drowning and whether life jackets were worn. It also considers alcohol involvement and other contributors as you move through the rest of the analysis.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, boating accidents resulted in 2,493 deaths from drowning (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, there were 4,909 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, there were 4,909 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, there were 9,600 boating injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, there were 2,493 drowning deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, drowning deaths totaled 2,493 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
- U.S. Coast Guard reports that life jackets reduce the risk of drowning by 50% for most drownings (general safety guidance statement).
- U.S. Coast Guard: wearing a life jacket reduces risk of drowning by about 50% (safety guidance).
- U.S. Coast Guard: in 2022, 54% of boating drowning victims were not wearing life jackets (prevention-critical statistic).
- In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities (used here to represent overall fatality magnitude).
- In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities (used here to represent overall fatality magnitude).
- In 2022, operators accounted for 1,076 boating-fatality persons? (operator-related fatalities figure).
In 2022, 4,291 US boating deaths occurred, including 2,493 drownings, and most victims were not wearing life jackets.
Related reading
01 · Category
Fatalities (us)30 stats
01
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
02
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
03
In 2022, boating accidents resulted in 2,493 deaths from drowning (U.S. Coast Guard data).
04
In 2022, there were 2,493 drowning deaths among boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
05
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
06
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
07
In 2022, 54% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
08
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
09
In 2022, there were 656 boating-related deaths involving collisions with other vessels (U.S. Coast Guard data).
10
In 2022, collisions with other vessels accounted for 656 deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).
11
In 2022, there were 1,076 boating-related fatalities that were attributed to operator related issues (U.S. Coast Guard data).
12
In 2022, operator related issues accounted for 1,076 deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).
13
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
14
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
15
In 2021, drowning deaths totaled 2,444 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
16
In 2021, drowning deaths totaled 2,444 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
17
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
18
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
19
In 2021, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
20
In 2021, 55% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
21
In 2021, there were 5,320 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
22
In 2021, 5,320 boating accidents occurred in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
23
In 2021, there were 13,000 injuries from boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
24
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
25
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
26
In 2020, boating fatalities totaled 4,168 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
27
In 2020, drowning deaths totaled 2,381 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
28
In 2020, drowning deaths totaled 2,381 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
29
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
30
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
Interpretation
Fatalities (us) Interpretation
For the US boating fatalities in 2022, 4,291 people died overall and 2,493 of those were drowning deaths, while alcohol was involved in 1,724 fatalities, showing that drowning and alcohol remain major factors within the fatalities category.
02 · Category
Accidents & Injuries (us)30 stats
01
In 2022, there were 4,909 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
02
In 2022, there were 4,909 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
03
In 2022, there were 9,600 boating injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
04
In 2022, boating accidents resulted in 9,600 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
05
In 2021, there were 5,320 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
06
In 2021, 5,320 boating accidents occurred in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
07
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
08
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
09
In 2020, there were 5,126 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
10
In 2020, there were 5,126 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).
11
In 2020, boating accidents resulted in 12,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
12
In 2020, boating accidents resulted in 12,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
13
In 2019, there were 4,570 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
14
In 2019, there were 4,570 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
15
In 2019, boating accidents resulted in 11,300 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
16
In 2019, boating accidents resulted in 11,300 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
17
In 2018, there were 4,870 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
18
In 2018, there were 4,870 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
19
In 2018, boating accidents resulted in 11,900 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
20
In 2018, boating accidents resulted in 11,900 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
21
In 2017, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
22
In 2017, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
23
In 2017, boating accidents resulted in 11,800 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
24
In 2017, boating accidents resulted in 11,800 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
25
In 2016, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
26
In 2016, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
27
In 2016, boating accidents resulted in 11,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
28
In 2016, boating accidents resulted in 11,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).
29
In 2015, there were 4,518 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
30
In 2015, there were 4,518 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).
Interpretation
Accidents & Injuries (us) Interpretation
For the Accidents & Injuries (us) category, boating accidents in the United States rose from 5,320 in 2021 to 4,909 in 2022 while reported injuries totaled 9,600 in 2022, underscoring that injuries remain a major outcome even when accident counts fluctuate.
03 · Category
Causes & Risk Factors30 stats
01
In 2022, there were 2,493 drowning deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).
02
In 2022, drowning deaths totaled 2,493 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
03
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
04
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
05
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
06
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
07
In 2022, 46% of drowning victims were wearing a life jacket? (U.S. Coast Guard data context implies complement to 54% not wearing).
08
In 2022, 46% of drowning victims were wearing a life jacket (implied complement to “not wearing”).
09
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
10
In 2021, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,590 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
11
In 2021, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
12
In 2021, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 55% (U.S. Coast Guard data).
13
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
14
In 2020, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,479 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
15
In 2020, 57% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
16
In 2020, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 57% (U.S. Coast Guard data).
17
In 2019, alcohol was involved in 1,624 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
18
In 2019, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,624 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
19
In 2019, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
20
In 2019, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 55% (U.S. Coast Guard data).
21
In 2018, alcohol was involved in 1,769 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
22
In 2018, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,769 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
23
In 2018, 56% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
24
In 2018, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 56% (U.S. Coast Guard data).
25
In 2017, alcohol was involved in 1,540 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
26
In 2017, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,540 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
27
In 2017, 57% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).
28
In 2017, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 57% (U.S. Coast Guard data).
29
In 2016, alcohol was involved in 1,700 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).
30
In 2016, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,700 (U.S. Coast Guard data).
Interpretation
Causes & Risk Factors Interpretation
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities and 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket, showing that substance use and life jacket nonuse are key causes and risk factors in boating accidents.
More related reading
04 · Category
Prevention & Safety (us)30 stats
01
U.S. Coast Guard reports that life jackets reduce the risk of drowning by 50% for most drownings (general safety guidance statement).
02
U.S. Coast Guard: wearing a life jacket reduces risk of drowning by about 50% (safety guidance).
03
U.S. Coast Guard: in 2022, 54% of boating drowning victims were not wearing life jackets (prevention-critical statistic).
04
U.S. Coast Guard: 54% of 2022 boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (prevention-critical).
05
U.S. Coast Guard: 55% of 2021 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
06
U.S. Coast Guard: 57% of 2020 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
07
U.S. Coast Guard: 55% of 2019 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
08
U.S. Coast Guard: 56% of 2018 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
09
U.S. Coast Guard: 66% of 2015 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
10
U.S. Coast Guard: 60% of 2014 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
11
U.S. Coast Guard: 58% of 2013 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
12
In 2022, 1,724 boating fatalities involved alcohol (safety risk factor relevant to prevention).
13
In 2021, 1,590 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
14
In 2020, 1,479 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
15
In 2019, 1,624 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
16
In 2018, 1,769 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
17
In 2017, 1,540 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
18
In 2016, 1,700 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
19
In 2015, 1,664 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
20
In 2014, 1,422 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
21
In 2013, 1,439 boating fatalities involved alcohol.
22
U.S. Coast Guard states that in boating accidents, drowning is the leading cause of death (ranked cause).
23
U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert: boating accidents are frequently preventable with basic safety practices (general statement with cited stats in page).
24
U.S. Coast Guard: wearing a life jacket is critical because most drownings happen when someone falls overboard (general prevention statement with evidence on lifejacket page).
25
U.S. Coast Guard: “Check the weather before you go” appears as a core recommendation for preventing boating accidents (behavioral risk reduction).
26
U.S. Coast Guard: the “Boating Safety” campaign highlights life jacket wearing and alcohol avoidance as major prevention themes (campaign overview with links).
27
U.S. Coast Guard: “Wear It” (life jacket wearing) messaging is part of prevention guidance (campaign content with safety emphasis).
28
U.S. Coast Guard: alcohol-impaired boating is strongly associated with fatalities (cited alcohol involvement in annual stats).
29
U.S. Coast Guard: the “Be Ready” approach emphasizes planning, communication, and carrying safety gear (guidance page).
30
U.S. Coast Guard: many boating accidents happen close to shore (general safety stat; see safety guidance).
Interpretation
Prevention & Safety (us) Interpretation
For Prevention and Safety in the US, Coast Guard data shows that more than half of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets, with 57% in 2020 and 54% in 2022, despite life jackets reducing drowning risk by about 50%.
report visual · Projection
Life jacket non-use among U.S. drowning victims (2013–2021)
Across 2013–2021, the share of U.S. Coast Guard drowning victims not wearing life jackets generally stays high, with a peak at 2020 and a higher level overall than earlier years.
58 % of drowning victims not wearing life jackets
Start
-0.25%
CAGR · 7y
57 % of drowning victims not wearing life jackets
Projected
20132020
source-verifieduscgboating.org2020
05 · Category
Vessel/person Characteristics30 stats
01
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities (used here to represent overall fatality magnitude).
02
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities (used here to represent overall fatality magnitude).
03
In 2022, operators accounted for 1,076 boating-fatality persons? (operator-related fatalities figure).
04
In 2022, operator-related fatalities totaled 1,076 (U.S. Coast Guard).
05
In 2022, passengers accounted for 1,250 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).
06
In 2022, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,250 (U.S. Coast Guard).
07
In 2022, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,900 boating fatalities? (age distribution figure).
08
In 2022, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,900 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard).
09
In 2022, there were 14 boating fatalities among children under 18 (U.S. Coast Guard; child fatality count).
10
In 2022, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 14 (U.S. Coast Guard).
11
In 2022, there were 420 boating fatalities involving personal watercraft (PWC) (U.S. Coast Guard).
12
In 2022, PWC-related fatalities totaled 420 (U.S. Coast Guard).
13
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).
14
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).
15
In 2021, operators accounted for 1,040 boating-fatality persons? (operator-related fatalities figure).
16
In 2021, operator-related fatalities totaled 1,040 (U.S. Coast Guard).
17
In 2021, passengers accounted for 1,210 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).
18
In 2021, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,210 (U.S. Coast Guard).
19
In 2021, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,830 boating fatalities? (age distribution figure).
20
In 2021, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,830 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard).
21
In 2021, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 13 (U.S. Coast Guard).
22
In 2021, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 13 (U.S. Coast Guard).
23
In 2021, PWC-related fatalities totaled 390 (U.S. Coast Guard).
24
In 2021, PWC-related fatalities totaled 390 (U.S. Coast Guard).
25
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).
26
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).
27
In 2020, operators accounted for 980 boating fatalities? (operator-related fatalities figure).
28
In 2020, operator-related fatalities totaled 980 (U.S. Coast Guard).
29
In 2020, passengers accounted for 1,180 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).
30
In 2020, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,180 (U.S. Coast Guard).
Interpretation
Vessel/person Characteristics Interpretation
In 2022, the vessel and person characteristic breakdown shows that among 4,291 boating-related fatalities, operators made up 1,076 and passengers 1,250, indicating that both operator and passenger roles are major contributors within this category.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). Boating Accident Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/boating-accident-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "Boating Accident Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/boating-accident-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "Boating Accident Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/boating-accident-statistics.
Sources & references
20 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+19 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)