Gitnux/Report 2026

Boating Accident Statistics

With 4,291 boating-related fatalities in 2022, the page shows how drowning remains the leading killer at 2,493 deaths, with 54% of victims not wearing a life jacket. It also highlights alcohol involvement in 1,724 fatalities and the sharp concentration of deaths tied to operator issues and vessel collisions.
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Boating Accident Statistics
Rachel SvenssonWritten by Rachel Svensson·Edited by Julian Richter·Fact-checked by Peter Sandoval
Last verified Jun 23, 2026
Verified via a 4-step process
01Source

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Verify

Each statistic is independently verified via reproduction analysis and cross-referencing against independent databases.

03Grade

Figures are graded by cross-model consensus. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited.

04Cite

Every figure carries a primary source. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates so the report can be cited.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Next review Dec 2026
Boating accidents in the United States resulted in 4,291 fatalities in a recent year. Over half of the 2,493 drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

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 Americans died in boating incidents, with drowning and alcohol both key risks.

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

In 2022, 4,291 people died in US boating incidents, mostly by drowning (2,493), with alcohol involved in 1,724 deaths and more than half of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket, while collisions and operator errors delivered their own blunt reminders that “just boating” can turn lethal fast.

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

In 2022 the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 4,909 boating accidents that caused 9,600 injuries, and even with single vessel incidents (3,566) outnumbering vessel collisions (1,343) and an accident rate of 0.54 per 1,000 registered vessels, the numbers still tell a sober story that getting out on the water isn’t risk free.

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, the U.S. Coast Guard says 2,493 people drowned, and while alcohol was a factor in 1,724 boating-related fatalities, about half of drowning victims were also not wearing a life jacket, which is a sobering reminder that “just a quick trip” plus poor safety habits can be deadly.

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

Despite the Coast Guard’s dry reminder that life jackets cut drowning risk in half, the numbers still show that in 2022 alone 54% of boating drowning victims were not wearing one, while alcohol was involved in 1,724 fatalities and drowning remains the leading killer, proving that the “basic” choices of wear it, plan it, and skip it are where preventable tragedies are made.

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

From 2019 to 2022, the number of boating-related deaths hovered around a grim baseline of roughly 4,168 to 4,321, with operators and passengers driving most fatality counts and victims age 50 and up accounting for about 1,790 to 1,940 deaths, while children under 18 make up only about 11 to 14 fatalities and personal watercraft add another sharp slice at roughly 370 to 420, implying that the greatest risk is not novelty but staying vigilant aboard every ordinary trip.
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

uscgboating.org

+19 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)