The U.S. Coast Guard recently released the 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report. It showed the fewest U.S. fatalities in more than 50 years.

Still, the report contains some disturbing underlying statistics. 

Stand-up paddleboarding saw a double-digit increase in fatalities (+164%), jumping from 11 deaths in 2023 to 29 deaths in 2024.

Paddlesports in general remained inordinately high, contributing nearly 30% of all known vessel type fatalities (down from 33% in 2023). Cabin motorboats reported an 80% increase, increasing from 20 deaths in 2023 to 36 deaths in 2024. 

Read Next: How to Choose a Life Vest for Wakeboarding

Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2024, accounting for 92 deaths, or 20% of total fatalities. Deaths occurred predominantly on vessels operated by individuals who had not received boating safety instruction, accounting for roughly 70% of fatalities.  Drowning accounted for three-quarters of deaths, with 87% of victims not wearing life jackets. 

The Watersports Foundation (WSF) began its media outreach campaigns in 2011. Since then, boating fatalities, as compared to the 2024 report, are down 26.6% representing 202 fewer boating deaths.

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World Wakeboard Champion and 4-time X-Games Gold Medalist Dallas Friday reminds everyone to take the pledge and avoid alcohol while boating. Whether you’re driving the boat or shredding the wake, always Ride Dry and Drive Dry.

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In 2020, Americans bought a lot of boats including 82,000 personal watercraft, 13,000 wake boats and 143,000 freshwater fishing boats and pontoons. That means more boats and boaters on the water than ever before. And many of them are still learning the ropes. Make sure you’re prepared and take a boater education course. When you’re on the water, always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket and get expert tips and advice on our Safety hub. We need safe boating, now more than ever.

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Under a new federal law effective April 1, 2021, those piloting boats less than 26 feet in length are required to use their engine cut-off switches (ECOS) much of the time. That means wearing a lanyard—aka ECOS link—while at the wheel. (Formerly referred to as, “kill switches,” the term engine cut-off switch, or ECOS, is the preferred nomenclature, whether referring to engine-cut-off switches operated by a physical lanyard or any of several electronic solutions.)

Specifically, Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 passed by Congress requires individuals operating recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length with an engine capable of 115 pounds of static thrust (3 hp) or more to use ECOS links. However, this law applies when the primary helm is not in a cabin and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Situations in which an ECOS link would not be required include docking, launching and loading on a trailer, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.

Since December 2019, ECOS links have been US Coast Guard-required equipment on recreational powerboats less than 26 feet. In reality, the vast majority of recreational powerboats of this size have for decades come with ECOS links to help prevent runaway vessels if the helmsman goes overboard. Seven states already have similar laws, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. Forty-four states have the same kinds of regulations for personal watercraft.

Read Next: One Boater’s Real-Life Engine Cut-Off Story

“The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed,” said agency spokespersons in a press statement. “So, this new use requirement simply obligates recreational vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.”

When an ECOS is attached to the helmsman, it shuts off the engine(s) if he or she is thrown from the wheel. The ECOS link is often-and historically-a lanyard with a clip. However, wireless ECOS from companies such as Fell Marine and Mercury Marine have recently been developed and are also approved for use by the Coast Guard. These use an electronic “fob” that is worn by the helmsman and shuts down propulsion when it is submerged in water.

Read Next: Learn About Electronic ECOS Solutions

The new law will be enforced by the Coast Guard in federal navigable waterways. Alexandria, Virginia-based BoatUS, the nation’s largest boat-owner organization, expects most states that don’t already have such laws on the books will amend their regulations to match federal law over the coming years. Under the federal law, operators who fail to follow the new requirement can face civil penalties up to $100 for the first offense.

Key Takeaways

Boaters operating boats less than 26 feet LOA must use an ECOS link if one is installed.

Boats built before 2020 may not have been required to have an ECOS installed but most have ECOS aboard anyway.

Boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020 must have a ECOS installed.

If the boat was built in January 2020 or later, the Engine Cut-Off Switch systems must be maintained in working condition for the life of the boat. Just like navigation lights or exhaust blowers.

Boaters are not required to use ECOS if:

• The boat is operated from an enclosed helm.
• The boat is off plane and not exceeding hull speed
• During docking maneuvers or while at idle
• The vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and is not required to have one.

To learn more, visit the Coast Guard website.

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Last year we posted a video to our Facebook page that went viral. The video was of a wakeboarder who whipped into a dock to catch a drink from his buddy and, distracted by the process of catching said drink, didn’t notice the large wooden pole that he was quickly approaching. He slammed into the pole going about 20 miles per hour. Fortunately for our idiotic friend here, he was wearing a thick life vest that lessened the impact on his ribs — slightly. But best believe he was hurting for a long time after this one. If he would have hit the pole any harder or with a different part of his body, it could’ve been lights out. We’re thankful the story doesn’t end like that.

It should go without saying that nobody should ever attempt something like the guy in that video. Simply put, that was stupid. (I’d use more colorful language because that’s what it really deserves, but my publisher told me I had to keep this PG.) Stationary objects such as poles, docks, buoys, other watercraft and even floating debris should be avoided at all costs. Don’t be that guy (or girl) trying to impress your friends by jibbing the tree on the bank, high-speed whipping into a dock or ollie-ing that one “No Wake” buoy. Chances are you’ll be fine, but all it takes is one little mistake to rack up a hefty medical bill and say goodbye to wakeboarding forever. Not only will you be physically in pain but your dignity will be hurting too.

If you’re riding, steer clear of the shoreline, shallow water and anything in your path. Look ahead to ensure an unobstructed landing zone before cutting in for a wake jump. And if you’re the captain of the boat, it’s up to you to avoid dangerous areas with obstacles in the water. Too many people have been injured by not using their best judgment — don’t be one of them. Use your head, and be safe out there.

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Stand-up paddleboarding has burst onto the beach scene in recent years and is the fastest growing water sport in the world.

With the rise in popularity, many paddleboarders often forget that being on a paddleboard requires the same safety precautions and vigilance as any other activity on the water. With National Safe Boating Week underway, now is a perfect time to brush up on some paddleboarding tips and most importantly, water safety practices.

The first thing to know about stand-up paddleboarding is that a paddleboard is a vessel when used “beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing or bathing area.” If a paddleboard is used within a designated “swimming, surfing or bathing area,” the Coast Guard does not consider it to be a vessel.

What does this mean for you? When using a paddleboard beyond the limits of the swimming, surfing or bathing area, you need to be as prepared as you would be when using what is considered a traditional vessel, which includes wearing a life jacket.

Whether you are a seasoned paddleboarder or new to the activity, here are some other tips when it comes to using stand-up paddleboards.

1. Wear a lifejacket and carry a whistle
2. Be a competent swimmer
3. Know how to self rescue
4. Know how to tow another board
5. Know the local regulations and navigation rules
6. Understand the elements and hazards – winds, tidal ranges, current, terrain
7. Know when to wear a leash
8. Be defensive – don’t go where you aren’t supposed to be and avoid other swimmers, boaters, paddleboards
9. Use proper blade angle to be the most efficient paddle boarder
10. Take a safety course

And remember… have fun and be safe!

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According to the National Safe Boating Council, in 2016, the Northeast had 28 paddler deaths, more than double the national average. To date, there have been about 33 recreational boating fatalities, with 20 of those deaths happening in inland waters. Sixteen out of the 33 deaths were paddlecraft related.

Paddlesports continue to be the fastest growing segment of recreational boating, with more than 300,000 paddle crafts (canoes, kayaks and paddle boards) being sold annually.

However, just like boating, there is a skill level to the sport.

“Paddlers should know their skill level and not go beyond it,” said Walt Taylor, First Coast Guard District’s recreational boating safety specialist.

The Coast Guard will be looking for life jackets, a sound making device, and other safety equipment to ensure paddlers have a safe and enjoyable time on the water the rest of the summer.

Paddlers in Massachusetts are required to wear life jackets from Sept. 15-May 15; in Connecticut, Oct. 1-May 31, and in New York, Nov. 1-May 1. All mariners should be aware that most states require children under 12 to be in a life jacket at all times while on the water.

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These particular lifejackets were the Type 1, 160RT model distributed by “The Safeguard Corporation” of Covington, Kentucky. They were manufactured in China and approximately nine years old. The distributor is no longer in business. Over the years, the Coast Guard has distributed a number of other safety alerts related to lifejackets and personal floatation devices (PFDs). The archive of alerts can be accessed here. See PDF page numbers 27, 72, 138, 145, 158 and 165.

As a result of this recent discovery the Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessel owners and operators inspect their Type 1 unicellular plastic foam lifejackets for potential indications of failure or degradation, specifically:

• Compression: The lifejacket may be compressed from many years of stowage.

• Loss of resiliency: The lifejacket is excessively hard, stiff or its foam is brittle. Normally after compressing the lifejacket to about half its initial thickness, the foam should expand to its original dimension in a short period of time.

• Shrinkage: A physical reduction in size may be indicated by “wrinkling” of the coating on vinyl dipped type or by a loose fitting shell on a fabric-covered lifejacket.

• Manufacturer: While the potential for problems applies to all older PFDs, those manufactured by “The Safeguard Corporation” should be closely examined.

This Safety Alert was developed by the Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis in conjunction with the Inspections Division of Coast Guard Sector Key West. Any questions or comments should be sent to send to: HQS-PF-fldr-CG-INV@uscg.mil.

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