Recreational Boating Statistics for 2023

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Posted Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:00 pm

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Just released 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics from the US Coast Guard report 3,844 accidents that involved 564 deaths nationally which is down from 4040 accidents involving 636 deaths in 2022. This year’s “fatality rate” for registered vessels 4.9 (per 100,000) marks a 10 year low. Florida leads the nation in registered recreational vessels at close to one million and leads all states in number of accidents 619 and deaths with 56 in 2023. Drownings by far is the largest cause of death and vessels under 26 feet account for most accidents and deaths. A complete discussion of 2023 National Recreational Boating Statistics is available at the following link: https://www.uscgboating.org.

Collier County has the dubious distinction ranking in the top 10 Counties in Florida with 20 Reportable Boating Accidents in 2023 by FWC. The primary type of accident in Florida is collision, either with a fixed object or another vessel. The primary cause of accidents in Florida includes operator inattention, no proper lookout, and operator inexperience. PWC’s or “jet skis” represent about 20% of registered recreational vessels in Collier County (5,108) and account for only 2 reported accidents of 151total accidents in Florida. A complete analysis of 2023 Florida Recreational Boating Statistics is available at the following link: https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/accidents/

There were 73,120 Boater safety education I.D. Cards issued in Florida in 2023, down from the annual peak of 78,620 in 2021, but almost double the number of cards issued 10 years ago.

Florida is a leader in promoting boating accident prevention. The FWC, in association with the National Safe Boating council, West Marine, and the US Coast Guard has launched a statewide boating safety campaign as part of the national initiative.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadron, as well as several online providers offer safe boating classes, complementary vessel safety checks, and membership training for all boaters. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary in Marco Island and 8 other Flotillas in Southwest Florida from Northport to Ft. Myers to Naples offer an array of educational options for all levels of mariners. Learn more about how you can become a safer boater and remember to always wear your life vest: www.USCGAuxMarco.org.

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