National Recreational Boating Accident and Fatality Statistics: 2007 – 2011
According to U. S. Coast Guard statistics, Florida ranked 26th out of 56 states and territories in 2011 in its number of recreational boating fatalities per 100,000 registered boats. As for recent trends in the state covering 2007 through 2011, there were 663 accidents in 2007 and 75 deaths that year. In 2011, there were 685 accidents and 61 deaths. As these statistics reveal, the number of deaths have fallen but the number of accidents have increased.
Florida is among those states that need to greatly lower their annual number of serious and deadly recreational boating accidents. South Florida, and in particular, the boating areas in and around Miami, the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, have very congested waterways, narrow inlets, sandbars, and many other hazards that can cause or contribute to a serious boating accident. Here are some statistics documenting the problems in other highly challenged states and territories.
Additional States that Suffered Numerous Boating Accidents and Deaths in 2011
- California. Fortunately, this state managed to great lower its recreational boating accidents between 2007 and 2011: While there were 601 incidents reported in 2007, only 399 occurred in 2011. However, this state’s fatalities remain somewhat constant. In 2007, there were 55 deaths reported — in 2011 there were 52, only indicating a slight decrease;
- Texas. This state reported 197 accidents in both 2007 and 2011. However, its number of fatalities decreased from 46 in 2007 down to 37 in 2011;
- New York. This populous state’s numbers have wavered rather dramatically. Although it reported 180 accidents in 2007 and only 173 in 2011, it saw a major uptick in 2010 when 211 accidents were reported. As for recreational boating deaths, those have increased from 21 in 2007 to 28 in 2011;
- Idaho. Like New York, this interior state’s recent boating accident statistics have vacillated markedly over the past five years. In 2007, only 63 accidents were reported; however, in 2009, Idaho reported 74 accidents. Fortunately, those fatalities dropped back down to 57 in 2011. Regrettably, Idaho’s fatalities increased from eight (8) in 2007 to 12 in 2011;
- Missouri. Although this state struggles with many annual accidents, its fatalities are usually lower than those reported by other states. In 2007, Missouri had 168 accidents but only 128 in 2011 – a sizeable decrease over that time period. (There was a major drop from 161 accidents in 2010 down to the 128 in 2011). As for fatalities, they’ve markedly increased: While there were just seven (7) reported in 2007, they shot up to 20 in 2011;
- Michigan. After this northern state reported 185 accidents in 2007, those numbers dropped down to just 129 in 2011. Michigan’s fatalities also fell from 34 down to 26 during that same time span;
- Louisiana. After this southern state reported 119 accidents in 2011, that number fell to 112 in 2011. Louisiana reported 30 recreational boating fatalities in 2007. Unfortunately, that number increased in 2011 to thirty-six (36).
Recreational boating enthusiasts in all 56 states and territories patrolled by the U. S. Coast Guard should take time to visit its online Boating Safety Resource Center where added materials can be found that address useful ways to make the waters safer for everyone.
If you’ve suffered a serious boating accident or injury, contact the Maus Law Firm to learn more about your rights. The Maus Law Firm has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and the Florida Keys, and handles accident and injury claims throughout Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Broward and Palm Beach counties. You’ll need the help of an experienced South Florida maritime attorney on your side. Call Toll Free today at: (855) 999-LAWS, or locally at (954) 784-6310.