The U.S. Coast Guard says Texas had 31 recreational boating deaths last year -- one less than during 2012.
Coast Guard officials in Washington on Wednesday released the agency's 2013 recreational boating statistics. The number of deaths nationwide fell to 560 last year, compared with 651 fatalities during 2012.
The report said alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal U.S. boating accidents. Coast Guard officials also cited operator inattention or lack of experience, improper lookout, excessive speed and machinery failure.
Coast Guard figures show Florida during 2013 had the most recreational boating deaths among states at 58. California was second with 37 deaths, followed by Texas at 31 fatalities.
Coast Guard officials continue to stress the importance of wearing life jackets, boating education courses and sober boating.
