The most common cause of boating accidents is operator inattention. Serious injuries and death can result from collisions, improper speed management, and failure to adjust to changing conditions. This type of negligence can lead to passengers slipping and falling or even going overboard.
In fatal boating accidents, drowning accounts for 79 percent of all deaths. Eighty-six percent of those who die are not wearing life preservers. The known leading factor contributing to fatal accidents is alcohol use. Secondary factors include improper lookout, operator inexperience, and excessive speed.