National Compilations of Surveys & Statistics

National Recreational Boating Safety Survey -- U.S. Coast Guard

The NRBSS – comprised of a Participation and an Exposure survey – is the Coast Guard’s method for estimating the totality of recreational boating in the U.S. and generating associated risk measures in accordance with the goals of the National RBS Strategic Plan. Surveys have been conducted periodically since 1973, with the most recent taken in 2018. The next survey is planned for 2026. Click here for links to the 2018 survey reports, 2022 and 2023 webinars, ERAC's explorations of the findings and methodologies of past surveys, and more information about the 2026 survey as it becomes available.

Recreational Boating Incident Statistics

The U.S. Coast Guard publishes an annual report containing statistics on recreational boating incidents and registered vessels. Data come from the states (primary source), federal agencies, the public, and the news media. The Coast Guard reviews the submissions and standardizes the data so that it can be used for national comparisons, meaning the published values may differ from a state's original submission.

Reports from 2004 through 2023: are available on the USCG Boating Safety Division Statistics page

Reports back to 1960 are available in the NASBLA Connect Public Library

Pull statistics from 2005-2023 reports by state, year, one variable at BARD Search