The U.S. Coast Guard released their annual 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics report on 28 May 2024.

Total number of accidents, injuries, and deaths were down significantly in 2023.

2023 USCG BARD reported accident statistics were 3,844 accidents, 2,126 injuries, and 564 deaths.

2022 USCG BARD reported accident statistics were 4,040 accidents, 2,222 injuries, and 636 deaths

Propeller accidents, injuries, and deaths were also significantly down in 2023.

2023 USCG BARD reported 145 propeller accidents, 133 injuries, and 23 deaths.

2022 USCG BARD reported 173 propeller accidents, 182 injuries, and 41 deaths.

Discussion & Comments

We are still studying USCG annual Recreational Boating Statistics report and having some problems reconciling the new much lower propeller accident numbers with our feel for the year and with the increase in non-powered propeller strikes (kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards).

For those interested in historical statistics, see our Propeller Accident Statistics page.

Thanks to all those at USCG whose efforts helped make this annual statistical report of boating accidents possible.

We would also like to thank USCG, law enforcement officials, lake patrols, first responders, good samaritans, nurses and physicians, life flight teams, paramedics, those offering boating safety classes, boat safety equipment check points, safe boaters, state boating law administrators, life jacket loaner program participants, Operation Dry Water, those spreading boating safety messages, and all others who work tirelessly to drive these annual totals down.

Plus we thank the many search and dive teams that respond when things go bad and are able to help bring closure to the friends and families of those lost.

Plus thanks to all the state boating law administrators and all the officers in the field filling out the accident reports, and to the individuals that self reported their accidents.

And to those continuing to improve the accuracy and completeness of boat accident reports.