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Fatality Summary, Annual Reports and Incident Reporting

Boating in Wisconsin

Crash Incident Reports

Each year, the Department of Natural Resources maintains a summary of fatal incidents in the Fatality Summaries. In addition, the Annual Program Report contains information regarding registration, safety tips, number of safety students and instructors, number of fatal and non-fatal crashes and types of and factors involved with fatal crashes. A complete copy of the most recent annual report is available below, and may also be requested by email (please provide a U.S. postal service mailing address).

Boat Fatal Incident Reports
Annual Reports

Reporting Boating Incidents

A "reportable" boat incident is any incident (regardless of the number of boats involved) that results in loss of life, personal injuries that require medical treatment beyond first aid by a medical professional, boat or property damage in excess of $2,000, or complete loss of a boat.

Wisconsin law requires every boat operator involved in a reportable boat incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report:

Boat Operator Incident Report:  Form 4100-020 [PDF]

Boat Operator Incident Report, Spanish Version:  Spanish Version USCG Operator Report Form [PDF]

For Law Enforcement Use:  Officer Boat Incident Investigation Report: Form 4100-142 [PDF]

Notice: Some web browsers do not open PDF files on their own. If you experience trouble opening or filling out a PDF form, visit the DNR PDF help for instructions on how to successfully open PDF files.

Forms are also available from DNR offices, sheriff's departments and many local police departments. Additionally, forms may be requested from and completed forms mailed to:

Wisconsin DNR
Boating Program - LE/8
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921

or email:  DNRCrash@wi.gov

  • Failure to comply with the above requirements is punishable by a penalty up to $326.
  • Pursuant to Section 30.67(4), Wis. Stats., information from this report may not be used as evidence in a civil or criminal trial.