http://www.bts.gov/publications/nati...ble_02_43.html

Looks like the numbers are off by about 200,000 registered boats,
nationwide, in the last few years (out of over 12 million).

Overall, this history of reported death, injury, and property damage at
the posted link seems to indicate that we are boating more safely
these days. Could be better equipment, but my theory is it's a
combination of more safety awareness and education combined with a
general "graying" of the population.

Back in 1965, when there were 32.9 fatalities per 100,000 registered
boats (that's a lot!), I think the average age of the population of the
US was somewhere around 18 or 19 years of age. Today, the average age
of an American is substantially older, and we seem to be boating with
fewer injuries and fatalities.