In 2010, The U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,604 boating accidents, which resulted in 672 deaths. Even though the U.S. Coast Guard requires a life jacket for everyone on board a boat, 88 percent of those who drowned in 2010 from a boating accident were not wearing a life jacket. All boats require safety equipment. Different boats and locations require different safety preparations. However, basic boating safety is universal.