According to the most recent Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, the leading cause of recreational boating accidents was operator inexperience. On top of that, 74% of boating deaths were caused by drivers with zero known operator instruction. That compares in stark contrast to only 14% of the deaths on a boat where the captain obtained a nationally recognized boating safety education course certification. According to David Kennedy , the manager of BoatU.S. Government Affairs, they are advocating for mandatory boating safety education to be a requirement in all states before a person can legally drive a boat with an engine greater than 10hp. "We believe a basic understanding of the rules, regulations, and how to safely operate a powerboat makes the water safer for everyone."
Recently, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, and South Carolina have all joined in with many other states to require new boater education. As of right now the only states that still have no mandatory education requirements include Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
If you would like to learn more about boater safety, we offer annual Boater Safety Courses through the local US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Get in touch with us if you are interested. Insurance@wellsins.com
You can also find a ton of great resources on the USCG Auxiliary website and local boater safety courses in your area if you are outside of Wilmington.
