Whether it's on a river, lake or out at sea, recreational boating is a fun and exciting way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time with friends and family. But, we have to remember that once we get on the open waters, we are sharing the space with other boaters, who may not be risky and putting our own safety in danger.

In 2014, the Coast Guard recorded over 4,000 boating accidents, which resulted in 610 deaths, nearly 2,700 injuries, and nearly $40 million dollars in property damage.

Compared to 2013, the number of boating accidents increased by 0.05%, the number of injuries increased by 2.2%, and worse, the number of fatalities increased by 8.9%, according to the Coast Guard's latest data.

Some of the 2014 statistics shared by the Coast Guard:

• 8 out of 10 boaters who drowned were on vessels that were less than 21 feet long.
• The top 5 contributors to fatal accidents included: operator inattention, improper lookout, an inexperienced operator, speeding, and alcohol.
• The leading cause of fatal boating accidents was alcohol consumption.
• In 2014, 12 children under the age of 13 died in boating accidents. Of those, 58% died from drowning.
• The most common vessels involved in fatal boat accidents were motorboats, canoes, and kayaks respectively.

What is a 'reportable' boating accident?

According to the Coast Guard, a vessel is in a reportable boating accident whenever there is property damage; someone is injured, missing, or killed; or, the vessel is destroyed because of machinery, equipment failure, construction, or seaworthiness.

Much likes cars and trucks on the road, boats can weigh thousands of pounds, and when boating operators are under the influence of alcohol, inexperienced, speeding, or being reckless, it can result in an explosion, boats can be capsized, and people can be seriously injured or killed.

If you, or someone you love was injured in a boating accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney in this directory for help.