In order to expand and clarify existing information on recreational boating and provide measures of effectiveness of the boating safety program, a nationwide survey of 1973 boating activity was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Using randomly-generated telephone exchanges, over 25,000 households were contacted and those discovered to be boat-owning and/or containing a boat operator were interviewed. The results for each geographical area were appropriately weighted and combined to form state, regional, and national estimates of boating data. The analysis reveals that passengers on non-motorized boats have a greater risk of being involved in a fatal accident, while boaters on motorized craft have a greater chance of incurring a serious injury.