US Coast Guard reports fewest recreational boating fatalities in more than 50 years

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.