Maryland has emerged as the eighth most dangerous state for boating in the United States, according to a recent study by Kitchel Law, a Washington, D.C.-based personal injury law firm. The research, which analyzed U.S. Coast Guard data from 2020 to 2023, found that Maryland recorded an average of 77.1 boat accidents per 100,000 registered vessels—79% above the national average of 43. The state reported an average of 132 boating accidents annually over the four-year period, with 171,136 boats registered.
The study calculated accident rates per 100,000 registered boats to identify the top 10 states where boating, particularly during spring break, poses heightened risks. Maryland’s ranking places it behind the District of Columbia, which led with 125.4 accidents per 100,000 boats, followed by Rhode Island (100.6), Hawaii (98.6), Arizona (96.4), Nevada (88.9), Utah (87.3), and New Jersey (79.1). Florida (73.8) and Idaho (63.2) rounded out the list. The District of Columbia, despite its small size and low boat registration (1,795), topped the list due to its high accident rate, while Florida reported the highest raw number of incidents at 714.5 annually, reflecting its 968,685 registered vessels.
A spokesperson for Kitchel Law commented on the findings: “The study shows that Maryland recorded the eighth highest number of boat accidents in the U.S. As personal injury lawyers, we have noticed how boating under the influence of alcohol can be hazardous. In addition, failing to maintain proper lookout is one of the main causes of accidents. With proper training, safety measures, and regular maintenance of vessels, boating accidents can be avoided.” The firm, which specializes in representing clients injured in various accidents, emphasized the preventable nature of many incidents.
Maryland’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic Ocean contributes to its active boating culture, with 171,136 registered recreational vessels as of the study period. The state’s waterways, while scenic, present risks amplified by factors like alcohol use and operator inexperience. Nationally, the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics report noted alcohol as the leading known contributor to fatal boating accidents, accounting for 17% of deaths, with operator inattention and improper lookout also ranking among top causes.
The Kitchel Law study aligns with broader trends in boating safety. Across the U.S., the Coast Guard reported 5,265 accidents in 2020, dropping to 3,844 by 2023, with fatalities decreasing from 767 to 564 over the same span. Maryland’s consistent average of 132 annual accidents suggests it remains a hotspot despite national declines. The state’s rate of 77.1 incidents per 100,000 boats exceeds that of larger boating states like Florida, highlighting a concentrated risk relative to its fleet size.
The research underscores the need for heightened safety measures as boating season approaches. Kitchel Law’s analysis drew from Coast Guard data and a detailed dataset, offering a clear picture of where risks are most pronounced. For Maryland boaters, the findings serve as a reminder to prioritize training and vigilance on the water.
