Boating accident numbers down in Florida but fatalities numbers rose

The number of boating accidents in Florida was down last year, but the number of boating deaths increased.

73 people were killed in boating accidents in 2014, up from Fifty-eight people the year before.

That’s the highest number of any state.  

There were a total number of 634 reportable boating accidents in Florida last year – 64 of those accidents led to deaths.

The number one cause of death was drowning and most could have been avoided if the boater were wearing a life jacket.

Alcohol and drug use played a role in 12 percent of the boating fatalities.

The deadliest month was July with 17 deaths.

There were three accidents and 1 death in Franklin County last year, there were no boating related deaths in Gulf County last year, though there were three reported accidents.

Wakulla County reported 1 boating accident leading to 1 death.

The Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation commission said over 85 percent of the fatalities were men, 60 percent were over 50 years old and half were on boats 16 feet long or less. 

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