Fatal accidents for recreational boaters increased by 40 percent in 2007 . Inattention , smoking and alcohol consumption were common contributors to the problem . `` The two most important things boaters can do to prevent the loss of life is to wear a life jacket and take a boater education course . '' Wearing a life jacket and taking physical education classes are good preventative measures , the Coast Guard says .
Fatal accidents for recreational boaters increased by 40 percent in 2007 . Inattention , smoking and alcohol consumption were common contributors to the problem . Wearing a life jacket and taking physical education classes are good preventative measures , the Coast Guard says .