Coast Guard Releases 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics Report
Boating fatalities were the third-lowest on record
The U.S. Coast Guard has released its 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics report, including information on boating fatalities. There were 626 boating fatalities nationwide in 2015, the third-lowest number on record.
The number of injuries and fatalities decreased, while the number of accidents increased. 76 percent of deaths were attributed to drowning, and 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
"We thank our boating safety partners for their efforts," said Capt. Verne Gifford, direction of Inspections and Compliance at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. "They've done a tremendous amount of work educating the boating public, which has helped reduce injuries. However, boating under the influence and failure to wear life jackets remain among the leading factors contributing to most boating fatalities. Together, we must continue to work to reduce the numbers of accidents, injuries and deaths."