USCG Recreational Boating Statistics 2019

Total number of accidents and injuries were up for 2019, and deaths were down about 3 percent compared to 2018 data.

2019 USCG BARD reported accident statistics were 4,168 accidents 2,559 injuries, and 613 deaths.

2018 USCG BARD reported accident statistics were 4,145 accidents, 2,511 injuries, and 633 deaths.

2019 USCG BARD reported 171 propeller accidents, 155 injuries, and 35 fatalities.

For 2018 USCG reported 177 propeller accidents, 177 injuries, and 25 fatalities.

Propeller fatalities were noticeably up in 2019 (up from 25 to 35)

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.