USCG Releases 2024 Boating Accident Statistics

The US Coast Guard releases the national boating accident statistics for the prior year each June: https://uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.php. Florida provides us further statewide details through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/accidents/. Over each of the lastfive years FWC has provided the same summary observation of likely boat accident victims: “These statistics show us the boat operator most likely to be involved in a boating accident is a middle-age or older male who has boating experience yet never learned the most important safety considerations by having taken a boating safety course.” 

In 2024, there were 685 reportable boating accidents in Florida and 81 fatalities; the year prior (2023) reported 659 accidents and 59 fatalities! Florida ranks #1 in reportable accidents and fatalities. 

Miami-Dade County reported the highest number of accidents (75) and injuries, next highest was Monroe County (69); Collier County (11) was NOT in the top 10.Most accidents reported involved “collisions” either with another vessel or fixed objects, and most accidents occurred in vessel less than 26 feet in length. The primary causes of most accidents were “operator inattention” or “improper lookout.” In 2024, 66% of accident victims were not wearing life vests or personal flotation devices (PFDs). The leading cause of death in all fatal boating accidents was drowning! 

The state of Florida issues almost 75,000 Boating Safety Education Identification Cards (ID) each year. Currently, Florida Law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988,must have a Boater Safety Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. Get a jump on your boater safety education from your local USCG Auxiliary Flotilla by taking a Boat America Course (BA) or contact your local Power Squadron or FWC; classes are also available online. 

The Boat America class offers training on Florida boating laws, safety equipment requirements, navigation rules, how to handle knots and lines, docking and mooring, emergency procedures, and how to prepare for “various on-water situations.” Upon successful completion of the BA class, you will receive an FWC Safe Boater Card. Join us December 13th (Saturday), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for our BA class at our Marco Island new classroom facility: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses 

For further information about other USCGAux programs, including complimentary Vessel Safety Examinations, or how to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 239-394-5911 or  www.USCGAuxMarco.org 

Saving Lives since 1939.The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.