Last year, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths, 2,678 injuries and about $39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. Topping the list is running a boat while intoxicated. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.