Boating accidents are more prevalent than some people think. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that:

• In 2006, 710 people died in boating accidents

• 3,474 people were injured

• 70 percent of boating fatalities occurred in boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction

• Two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims involved drowning

• 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets

• Boating accidents caused more than $43 million in property damage

Most boat accident injuries are preventable, and as a majority are caused by operator inexperience or inattention. Statistically, 70 percent of all boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator has not completed a boating safety education course. The primary causes of accidents include:

• Operator inattention

• Careless/reckless operation

• Operator inexperience

• Operating at an unsafe speed

• No proper lookout

When operating a recreational vessel, steps can be taken to prevent a boat accident injury or minimize the damage if an accident happens:

• Always wear life jackets and dress for possible immersion.

• Be aware that cold weather is more dangerous than warm weather. There are fewer boaters and patrols to rescue those in distress, and the water is much colder.

• Do not drink alcohol while on the water.

• When in large bodies of water, take advantage of available distress-alerting and position-indicating technologies.