Boating Accident Statistics in Maryland

How many boating accidents occurred in Maryland in 2023?

Total Boating Accidents (2019-2023):

• 2019: 130 accidents
• 2020: 148 accidents
• 2021: 138 accidents
• 2022: 126 accidents
• 2023: 116 accidents

How many boating accident fatalities occurred in Maryland in 2023?

Fatal Accidents (2019-2023):

• 2019: 12 fatal accidents
• 2020: 6 fatal accidents
• 2021: 6 fatal accidents
• 2022: 11 fatal accidents
• 2023: 10 fatal accidents, resulting in 10 deaths

Common Types of Accidents: Collisions and Grounding

• Collision with Recreational Vehicles: 30 accidents
• Collision with Fixed Objects: 15 accidents
• Grounding & Fall in Vessel: 9 accidents each

Was Alcohol a contributing factor in boating accidents in Maryland?

• Alcohol was a contributing factor in 2 accidents
• Alcohol related incidents led to 1 death and 7 injuries

Property Damage and Injuries

• Total Property Damage: $1,833,016
• Injuries: 70 reported injuries

Accident and Fatality Rates per Registration

• 2023: 169,900 total registrations, 10 deaths, 5.9 fatalities per 100,000 registrations
• 2022: 172,091total registrations, 11 deaths, 6.4 fatalities per 100,000 registrations

10 Essential Boating Safety Tips to Keep You Safe On the Water

1. Take a Boating Safety Course Education is crucial. Learning safe boating practices can help you make better decisions and handle unexpected situations. Most fatal accidents involve operators with little or no formal training.
2. Always Have a Proper Lookout Maintain focus on your surroundings, watching for other boats, swimmers, and hazards like rocks or submerged objects. Assign a designated person to help as a lookout if possible.
3. Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Always wear a life jacket, and ensure your passengers do too. Nearly 80% of fatalities involved people not wearing PFDs.
4. Avoid Alcohol While Boating Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time. Boating under the influence increases accident risks, just like driving under the influence on the road.
5. Follow Weather Reports Check the forecast before setting out. Sudden changes in weather conditions are a leading cause of boating accidents. If storms or high winds are expected, consider rescheduling.
6. Follow Speed Limits and Avoid Excessive Speed Speeding can reduce your reaction time and make your boat harder to control. Stick to posted speed limits and slow down near docks, marinas, and other boats.
7. Ensure Your Boat is in Good Condition Regularly inspect your boat, especially the engine, navigation lights, and safety equipment. Mechanical issues are common causes of accidents.
8. Know and Follow Navigation Rules Familiarize yourself with navigation rules, including right-of-way protocols and signals. This will help you avoid collisions with other boats.
9. Check All Safety Equipment Before Departure Ensure you have essentials like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, signaling devices, and a working radio. In an emergency, these can be lifesavers.
10. Stay Within Your Boating Experience Level If you’re inexperienced or new to an area, avoid high-traffic or challenging waters. Building up experience gradually helps you develop skills and confidence.