Boating Accidents on the Rise in Massachusetts, Says Report

As boating season heats up along with the temperatures, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety has released the latest boating accident, injury and death figures for 2013. 

The sobering figures show that Massachusetts had 83 reported boating accidents in 2013, which was a jump from 68 in 2012, 46 in 2011, 60 in 2010 and 51 in 2009.

Fatal accidents decreased to 12 in 2013, which is down from 16 in 2012.

The largest number of boating accidents in Massachusetts in 2013 involved collisions with recreational vessels.

Across the country, the deadliest month on the waters in 2013 was in June, which saw 85 fatal accidents. The most boating accidents, however, was in July with 920 total accidents.

The report also found that the highest number of fatal accidents in 2013 happened between 2:31 and 4:30 p.m.

The biggest contributing factor of accidents and injuries in 2013 was operator inattention. The biggest contributing factor for deaths was alcohol use.

To find out more about boating safety, go to the Boating Safety Resource Center. 

Find the full US Coast Guard's Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety report here.

Click on the above video for a U.S. Coast Guard PSA about boating safety.