The U.S. Coast Guard has released its 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report. This report contains statistics on registered recreational vessels and boating accidents during calendar year 2020. In 2020 there were 767 deaths from boating fatalities according to the report, an increase of 25% from 2019.
The report notes:
In calendar year 2020, the Coast Guard counted 5,265 accidents that involved 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries and approximately $62.5 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents
The five primary accident types were:
- Collision with recreational vessel
- Flooding/swamping
- Collision with fixed object
- Grounding
- Falls overboard
The report also identified the top ten contributing factors in accidents:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Improper lookout
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
- Navigation rules violation
- Alcohol use
- Weather
- Hazardous waters
- Force of wave/wake
The report serves as reminder to everyone, whether a recreational boater or a large maritime company, that safety must always be paramount while operating a vessel.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and wrongful death litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. The experienced international maritime accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a maritime accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.