On May 13, the U.S. Coast Guard released its report on recreational boating statistics for 2013 and announced a new record low of 560 boating fatalities last year. The fatality rate per 100,000 registered boats was 4.7, down 13 percent form a reported 5.4 in 2012.

“This is great news that confirms recreational boating is a safe form of family fun,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “State and federal boating safety programs are working. Marine retailers are contributing to these educational efforts by providing in-house safety education. Many retailers also are providing on-water instruction.”

Other statistics released by USCG indicate alcohol use was listed as a contributing factor in 16 percent of boating-related deaths. When the cause of death was known, 77 percent of fatal boating accidents were caused by drowning and 84 percent were the result of not wearing a life jacket. In 20 percent of last year’s reported deaths, the boat operator had received boating safety education.

The total number of reported boating accidents in 2013 was 4,062, with a reported $39 million in property damage.