Wearing a Life Jacket is Still the Most Important Step
Boaters Can Take to Ensure Their Safety on the Water

Boating fatalities jumped 12.8 percent in 2011 and are now at the highest level since 1998, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's just released report 2011 Recreational Boating Statistics.

Last year, 533 of the 758 boating fatalities resulted from drowning, with 84 percent of the drowning victims not reported as wearing a life jacket. The Coast Guard is urging recreational boaters to make sure everyone on board wears their life jacket at all times on the water.

Search Accident Statistics with Our Online 'Search Data' Tool

A search engine that allows you to produce downloadable tables and charts using national and local accident data.

FY 2013 Grant Award Agreement is Posted

MARINE SAFTEY ALERT: Problems with Mustang Inflatable PFDs

The Coast Guard has become aware of certain Mustang Survival Inflatable PFDs with Hammar MA1 hydrostatic (HIT) inflation systems which may not inflate and require a new re-arm kit to properly inflate by manual or automatic activation.

USCG Discusses Water Safety on NPR's Coastal Connection

The USCG Office of Boating Safety’s William Vann Burgess discusses the importance of boating responsibly on NPR’s ‘Coastal Connection’ with Bryan Russo. Mr. Burgess also discusses current boating accident statistics and what can be done to prevent future incidents on the water. Click article title to listen to the full interview.