Minnesota's boating fatalities and crashes fell to historic lows last year, with 35 nonfatal boating incidents recorded in 2025, the lowest number on record since 1970, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Boating fatalities were at an all-time low at seven, compared to 50 incidents the previous year. The decrease is attributed to increased efforts by the DNR towards boating safety awareness and boating overall. The agency expanded its marine unit from two to six people and placed rescue equipment in areas with higher boating traffic. The boating law that requires young adults to obtain a permit before operating a boat also contributed to this decrease. It's too soon to determine whether the law, which went into effect last year and took effect in 2023, will be implemented to boost safety. The registration for boating permits has increased from a previous annual high of around 10,000 to 28,011 people in 2025.