Boating deaths are the fewest since 1960

RECREATIONAL boating accidents killed 676 people nationwide last year, the fewest since 1960.

“Manufacturers and the Coast Guard have worked together to make today’s recreational boats safer than ever,” said Capt. James Hass, acting director of U.S. Coast Guard operations policy.

There were 484 boaters who drowned, and 90% of them were not wearing life jackets. Many states, including California, don’t require boaters to wear life jackets. In California, 27 people drowned in boating accidents in 2003 (2004 statistics were not available).

The decrease in boating fatalities -- there were 703 in 2003 -- has occurred despite the continued popularity of boating. Nearly 13 million boats and 77 million Americans take to the water for boating each year, according to the Coast Guard.

Gary Polakovic