Recreational Boating Statistics

The U.S. Coast Guard announced the publication of the 2008 boating safety statistics, reporting a rise in recreational boating fatalities.

In 2008, two thirds of all fatal recreational boating accident victims drowned, and of those over 90% were not wearing their lifejacket. So...Wear It!

Also in 2008, over 100 people died while canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

Rear Admiral Kevin Cook, the Coast Guard's director of prevention policy, emphasized the importance of boating education saying, "The 2008 report shows a clear link between safety and boating education...The statistics indicate that boaters who have taken a boating safety course are less likely to be involved in an accident."

Recreational Boating Statistics 2008

If you are interested in helping the ACA in our quest to lower those figures, please consider joining the ACA's Safety Education & Instruction Council.

Paddle Safe - Paddle Often,
Christopher Stec
Safety Education & Instruction Department