Alcohol and Boating Just Don't Mix

In 2008, four of the 15 fatal boating accidents cited alcohol use as a contributing factor. Alcohol impairs your judgement and your ability to operate a vessel safely. Dehydration and the motion and vibration of the boat add to the intensity of your impairment when on the water.

Balance is one of the first things you lose when you consume alcohol. When you combine loss of balance with the rocking of a boat, the chance of falling overboard increases. The sun causes you to perspire, which removes the water from your body but leaves the alcohol in. This can cause a quicker and higher level of impairment.

Alcohol - Sobering Facts

• Beer is NOT less intoxicating than any other alcoholic beverage.
• Only time will sober a person, NOT black coffee or a cold shower.
• It is NOT easy to tell if someone is impaired. Many experienced drinkers can hide their impairment, but the effect alcohol has on the body remains.
• You are NOT the best person to judge if you are fit to operate a vessel. Your judgement is one of the first things you lose when you drink.

Fun Ways to Avoid the Hazards of Alcohol

• Take along a variety of sodas, a jug of water, iced tea, lemonade, or take along nonalcoholic beer.
• Take along plenty of food.
• Wear clothes that keep you cool.
• Plan to limit your trip to the number of hours you can spend on the water without becoming tired.
• Enjoy your outing more by having a party ashore - in the picnic area, in the Yacht Club, in your backyard - where you will have time between the fun and getting back into your boat or your car.
• If you dock somewhere for lunch or dinner and drink alcohol, wait a reasonable time before getting in your boat or car.
• Be sure to have a sober designated driver as the boat operator.
• No alcohol aboard is the safe way to go - remember, intoxicated passengers can fall overboard too.