Crime & Safety
Boating Deaths Increase, More FL Crashes Reported In 2020
There were more boat crashes, and more deaths as a result, in 2020, a Florida Wildlife Conservation and Commission report shows.
FLORIDA — Some boat operators aren't keeping an eye out for obstacles, which led to more crashes and more deaths in 2020, officials said. Florida had 113 more boating accidents than it did in 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported.
Seventy-nine people were killed last year in boat accidents, which is 14 more than the previous year, according to officials. In 2020, 836 mishaps were reported whereas in 2019, 723 were reported.
“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout," said Lt. Seth Wagner with FWC Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around, but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”
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The report showed 402 boating accidents involved collisions, and 44 percent of them were caused by the operator's inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout.
“It is important for boaters to keep in mind that a vessel should be treated with the same responsibility as a car or truck so everyone can enjoy Florida’s beautiful waters,” Wagner said.
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Top 10 FL Counties For Most Boating Accidents In 2020
- Monroe, 99
- Miami-Dade, 95
- Palm Beach, 56
- Pinellas, 56
- Lee, 48
- Okaloosa, 31
- Bay, 29
- Collier, 29
- Manatee, 22
- Sarasota, 22
Since 2003, falling overboard has been the leading type of fatal accident with drowning as the leading cause of death. Of the drowning victims, 88 percent were not wearing a life jacket, FWC officials said. Events can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and boaters might not have time to grab their life jacket before finding themselves in the water, according to authorities. All boaters and passengers are encouraged by the FWC and United States Coast Guard to wear life jackets.
The state also saw an increase of registered vessels in 2020 with a total of 985,005, and in 2019, 961,266 boats were registered. Most of the accidents happened in May with a total of 120 occurring.
Read 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, to see the full report.
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