As motorboat racing is a dangerous sport, many individuals (including drivers, crew members, officials and spectators) have been killed in crashes related to the sport, either in a race, in qualifying, in practice or a private testing session. For example, in offshore powerboat racing, one racer dies each year from accidents.
Fatal Accidents during Water speed record
Fatal Accidents during an Unlimited Hydroplane race
Fatal Accidents during offshore powerboat racing
Fatal Accidents during outboard powerboat racing
Fatal Accidents during kyōtei racing
Whilst being the 2nd from last with the least deaths of the four parimutuel betting sports in Japan, 34 drivers (including one trainee) have lost their lives since its beginning. This is caused by collisions with the quay or one of the competing boats. It is estimated that there is one death for every 2 years.