Bad weather: Lakes and boating parks are mostly regulated by their corresponding managing staff or regional authorities. These people ensure that the water and weather conditions are suitable for a day of boating. Despite this, of course, weather forecasts are subject to change and may not always be accurate. When bad weather conditions, such as strong winds, rains, or fog, happen while on the lake, these pose boating dangers that may result in boating accidents.

Human error: This includes errors in navigation and operation of the boat, boating under the influence of alcohol and other substances, driver inattention, among others. These acts of fault and negligence can cause dangerous collisions, and hence, remain the top cause of boating disasters in Missouri and other states.

Boat and equipment breakdown: This cause may be classified into two categories: human fault and fortuitous event. The first may appropriately fall under the previously mentioned cause, human error, because it is indeed the responsibility of the boat owner or operator to make sure that the boat is safe for usage before any boating trip. Nonetheless, boat and equipment breakdown may also be a fortuitous event or that which cannot have been anticipated by any person, despite his or her proper maintenance of the vessel. In some cases, this will result in a product liability claim.