While recreational boating remains a beloved pastime across America, new research underscores the inherent risks that come with navigating its vast and varied waterways. A recent study conducted by Captains Preferred Products, drawing on 2023 data from the United States Coast Guard, has identified the states with the highest rates of boating fatalities.
Alaska, known for its rugged landscapes and challenging waters, tops the list as the most hazardous state for boaters, according to the study. With 26 recorded incidents and 21 fatalities among approximately 45,000 registered boats, the state’s fatality rate stands at 46.7 per 100,000 vessels.
Surprisingly, New Mexico — a state without direct access to coastal shorelines — ranks second. Here, boating accidents are not confined to the coasts but ripple across the inland lakes and rivers, the study states. In 2023, 17 accidents led to eight deaths, with a fatality rate of 27.89 per 100,000 registered boats.
The third spot is occupied by Hawaii, where the expansive Pacific invites countless boating adventures. Despite having the lowest number of registered boats in the nation, Hawaii witnessed three fatalities in 2023, which translates to a fatality rate of 24.52 per 100,000 vessels, according to the study.
Colorado and Nevada follow in fourth and fifth place. Colorado recorded 15 fatalities out of almost 73,000 boats, and Nevada saw eight deaths among its 42,000 registered vessels, according to the study.
The data paints a clear picture: boating, while enjoyable, carries significant risks. Nicholas Heisler, founder of Captains Preferred Products, emphasizes the importance of safety.
“Recreational boating is a fabulous pastime, but one that must always be taken seriously,” Heisler said. “While it’s all about fun, any boat trip has the potential to become catastrophic, and it’s interesting to see which states have had the worst experience of this in recent years. Any and every recreational boat owner, or user, should observe safety precautions at all times to ensure the safety of themselves and all aboard their vessels.”
Top 10 most dangerous states for recreational boating (2023)
| Rank | State | Registered Vessels | Accidents | Fatalities | Accident Rate (per 100,000) | Fatality Rate (per 100,000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 44,969 | 26 | 21 | 57.82 | 46.70 |
| 2 | New Mexico | 28,680 | 17 | 8 | 59.27 | 27.89 |
| 3 | Hawaii | 12,236 | 14 | 3 | 114.42 | 24.52 |
| 4 | Colorado | 72,676 | 35 | 15 | 48.16 | 20.64 |
| 5 | Nevada | 42,045 | 34 | 8 | 80.87 | 19.03 |
| 6 | Washington | 233,372 | 52 | 23 | 22.28 | 9.86 |
| 7 | Tennessee | 244,601 | 117 | 22 | 47.83 | 8.99 |
| 8 | Oregon | 152,440 | 60 | 13 | 39.36 | 8.53 |
| 9 | Idaho | 89,332 | 48 | 7 | 53.73 | 7.84 |
| 10 | Illinois | 183,689 | 70 | 13 | 38.11 | 7.08 |
