Boating Deaths Hit Highest Level in Over a Decade in Arkansas, Report Shows
Arkansas saw a troubling rise in boating fatalities and accidents in 2025, marking the deadliest year on the water in more than a decade, according to a newly released annual report.
The 2025 Year-End Boating Accident Report, compiled by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating law administrator Sgt. Sydney Grant, recorded 17 boating-related deaths across the state— the highest number since 2009. Boating accidents also climbed to 73 incidents, the most reported since 2020.
State officials point to a combination of environmental conditions and user behavior as key factors behind the increase. Heavy rainfall last spring led to widespread flooding, creating fast-moving currents and hazardous conditions on many rivers and streams.
The report highlights concerns about boater experience, particularly among those operating rented vessels. Nine of the boats involved in accidents were rentals, including some used on trout streams during peak flooding. While nearly half of the 88 operators involved had more than 100 hours of boating experience, officials say that does not necessarily translate to familiarity with specific watercraft or dangerous river conditions.
Even seasoned boaters can underestimate the force of moving water, Grant explained, which can pin boats or individuals against obstacles with immense pressure. Despite unsafe conditions, some individuals still chose to proceed with planned outings.
The report also identified a sharp increase in boating accidents tied to duck hunting. Incidents involving duck hunters more than doubled, rising from five in 2024 to 11 in 2025, including one fatality.
Duck hunting conditions often involve navigating flooded timber at low visibility, increasing the risk of collisions with hidden hazards. Grant added that a growing sense of competition among hunters may be leading some to operate boats at unsafe speeds.
The data also challenges assumptions about who is most at risk. The average age of boat operators involved in accidents was 44, while the average age in fatal incidents was 53—underscoring that experience and age alone do not eliminate risk.
A wide range of vessels were involved in accidents, including motorboats, pontoons, personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, as well as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Safety officials remain particularly concerned about low life jacket usage. Only 33 percent of boaters involved in accidents were wearing one, and just one of the 17 fatality victims had a life jacket on at the time. None of the drowning victims were wearing one.
While life jacket usage saw a slight increase in 2025, Grant emphasized that significant improvement is still needed.