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).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
02
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
03
In 2022, boating accidents resulted in 2,493 deaths from drowning (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
04
In 2022, there were 2,493 drowning deaths among boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
05
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
06
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
07
In 2022, 54% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
08
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
09
In 2022, there were 656 boating-related deaths involving collisions with other vessels (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
10
In 2022, collisions with other vessels accounted for 656 deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
11
In 2022, there were 1,076 boating-related fatalities that were attributed to operator related issues (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
12
In 2022, operator related issues accounted for 1,076 deaths (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
13
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
14
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
15
In 2021, drowning deaths totaled 2,444 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
16
In 2021, drowning deaths totaled 2,444 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
17
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
18
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
19
In 2021, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
20
In 2021, 55% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
21
In 2021, there were 5,320 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
22
In 2021, 5,320 boating accidents occurred in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
23
In 2021, there were 13,000 injuries from boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
24
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
25
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
26
In 2020, boating fatalities totaled 4,168 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
27
In 2020, drowning deaths totaled 2,381 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
28
In 2020, drowning deaths totaled 2,381 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
29
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
30
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
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).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
02
In 2022, there were 4,909 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
03
In 2022, there were 9,600 boating injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
04
In 2022, boating accidents resulted in 9,600 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
05
In 2021, there were 5,320 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
06
In 2021, 5,320 boating accidents occurred in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
07
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
08
In 2021, boating accidents resulted in 13,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
09
In 2020, there were 5,126 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
10
In 2020, there were 5,126 boating accidents in the US (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
11
In 2020, boating accidents resulted in 12,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
12
In 2020, boating accidents resulted in 12,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
13
In 2019, there were 4,570 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
14
In 2019, there were 4,570 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
15
In 2019, boating accidents resulted in 11,300 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
16
In 2019, boating accidents resulted in 11,300 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
17
In 2018, there were 4,870 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
18
In 2018, there were 4,870 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
19
In 2018, boating accidents resulted in 11,900 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
20
In 2018, boating accidents resulted in 11,900 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
21
In 2017, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0117/Boating-Statistics-2017.aspx
22
In 2017, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
23
In 2017, boating accidents resulted in 11,800 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0117/Boating-Statistics-2017.aspx
24
In 2017, boating accidents resulted in 11,800 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
25
In 2016, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0116/Boating-Statistics-2016.aspx
26
In 2016, there were 4,600 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
27
In 2016, boating accidents resulted in 11,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0116/Boating-Statistics-2016.aspx
28
In 2016, boating accidents resulted in 11,000 injuries (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
29
In 2015, there were 4,518 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0115/Boating-Statistics-2015.aspx
30
In 2015, there were 4,518 boating accidents (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
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).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
02
In 2022, drowning deaths totaled 2,493 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
03
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
04
In 2022, alcohol was involved in 1,724 fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
05
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
06
In 2022, 54% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
07
In 2022, 46% of drowning victims were wearing a life jacket? (U.S. Coast Guard data context implies complement to 54% not wearing).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
08
In 2022, 46% of drowning victims were wearing a life jacket (implied complement to “not wearing”).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
09
In 2021, alcohol was involved in 1,590 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
10
In 2021, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,590 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
11
In 2021, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
12
In 2021, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 55% (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
13
In 2020, alcohol was involved in 1,479 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
14
In 2020, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,479 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
15
In 2020, 57% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
16
In 2020, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 57% (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
17
In 2019, alcohol was involved in 1,624 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
18
In 2019, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,624 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
19
In 2019, 55% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
20
In 2019, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 55% (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
21
In 2018, alcohol was involved in 1,769 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
22
In 2018, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,769 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
23
In 2018, 56% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
24
In 2018, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 56% (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
25
In 2017, alcohol was involved in 1,540 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0117/Boating-Statistics-2017.aspx
26
In 2017, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,540 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
27
In 2017, 57% of boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0117/Boating-Statistics-2017.aspx
28
In 2017, drowning victims not wearing life jackets were 57% (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
29
In 2016, alcohol was involved in 1,700 boating-related fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0116/Boating-Statistics-2016.aspx
30
In 2016, alcohol involvement in boating fatalities was 1,700 (U.S. Coast Guard data).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
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).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-LifeJacket-Myths.aspx
02
U.S. Coast Guard: wearing a life jacket reduces risk of drowning by about 50% (safety guidance).https://www.uscgboating.org/preventing-drownings.aspx
03
U.S. Coast Guard: in 2022, 54% of boating drowning victims were not wearing life jackets (prevention-critical statistic).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
04
U.S. Coast Guard: 54% of 2022 boating drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket (prevention-critical).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
05
U.S. Coast Guard: 55% of 2021 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
06
U.S. Coast Guard: 57% of 2020 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
07
U.S. Coast Guard: 55% of 2019 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
08
U.S. Coast Guard: 56% of 2018 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
09
U.S. Coast Guard: 66% of 2015 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0115/Boating-Statistics-2015.aspx
10
U.S. Coast Guard: 60% of 2014 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0114/Boating-Statistics-2014.aspx
11
U.S. Coast Guard: 58% of 2013 drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0113/Boating-Statistics-2013.aspx
12
In 2022, 1,724 boating fatalities involved alcohol (safety risk factor relevant to prevention).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
13
In 2021, 1,590 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
14
In 2020, 1,479 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
15
In 2019, 1,624 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0119/Boating-Statistics-2019.aspx
16
In 2018, 1,769 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0118/Boating-Statistics-2018.aspx
17
In 2017, 1,540 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0117/Boating-Statistics-2017.aspx
18
In 2016, 1,700 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0116/Boating-Statistics-2016.aspx
19
In 2015, 1,664 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0115/Boating-Statistics-2015.aspx
20
In 2014, 1,422 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0114/Boating-Statistics-2014.aspx
21
In 2013, 1,439 boating fatalities involved alcohol.https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0113/Boating-Statistics-2013.aspx
22
U.S. Coast Guard states that in boating accidents, drowning is the leading cause of death (ranked cause).https://www.uscgboating.org/preventing-drownings.aspx
23
U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert: boating accidents are frequently preventable with basic safety practices (general statement with cited stats in page).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams.aspx
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).https://www.uscgboating.org/preventing-drownings.aspx
25
U.S. Coast Guard: “Check the weather before you go” appears as a core recommendation for preventing boating accidents (behavioral risk reduction).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-Weather.aspx
26
U.S. Coast Guard: the “Boating Safety” campaign highlights life jacket wearing and alcohol avoidance as major prevention themes (campaign overview with links).https://www.uscgboating.org/multimedia/safety-campaigns.aspx
27
U.S. Coast Guard: “Wear It” (life jacket wearing) messaging is part of prevention guidance (campaign content with safety emphasis).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-WearIt.aspx
28
U.S. Coast Guard: alcohol-impaired boating is strongly associated with fatalities (cited alcohol involvement in annual stats).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-Boating-Under-Influence.aspx
29
U.S. Coast Guard: the “Be Ready” approach emphasizes planning, communication, and carrying safety gear (guidance page).https://www.uscgboating.org/ideas/ready.aspx
30
U.S. Coast Guard: many boating accidents happen close to shore (general safety stat; see safety guidance).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-Accident-Location.aspx
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).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
02
In 2022, there were 4,291 boating-related fatalities (used here to represent overall fatality magnitude).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
03
In 2022, operators accounted for 1,076 boating-fatality persons? (operator-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
04
In 2022, operator-related fatalities totaled 1,076 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
05
In 2022, passengers accounted for 1,250 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
06
In 2022, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,250 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
07
In 2022, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,900 boating fatalities? (age distribution figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
08
In 2022, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,900 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
09
In 2022, there were 14 boating fatalities among children under 18 (U.S. Coast Guard; child fatality count).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
10
In 2022, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 14 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
11
In 2022, there were 420 boating fatalities involving personal watercraft (PWC) (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0122/Boating-Statistics-2022.aspx
12
In 2022, PWC-related fatalities totaled 420 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
13
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
14
In 2021, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
15
In 2021, operators accounted for 1,040 boating-fatality persons? (operator-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
16
In 2021, operator-related fatalities totaled 1,040 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
17
In 2021, passengers accounted for 1,210 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
18
In 2021, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,210 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
19
In 2021, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,830 boating fatalities? (age distribution figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
20
In 2021, victims age 50+ accounted for 1,830 boating fatalities (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
21
In 2021, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 13 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
22
In 2021, child (under 18) boating fatalities totaled 13 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
23
In 2021, PWC-related fatalities totaled 390 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0121/Boating-Statistics-2021.aspx
24
In 2021, PWC-related fatalities totaled 390 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
25
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
26
In 2020, there were 4,168 boating-related fatalities (overall).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
27
In 2020, operators accounted for 980 boating fatalities? (operator-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
28
In 2020, operator-related fatalities totaled 980 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
29
In 2020, passengers accounted for 1,180 boating fatalities? (passenger-related fatalities figure).https://www.uscgboating.org/safety-grams/SG-0120/Boating-Statistics-2020.aspx
30
In 2020, passenger-related fatalities totaled 1,180 (U.S. Coast Guard).https://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident-statistics.aspx
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
+19 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)