Boating Basics: On the Water

Preventing Accidents by Avoiding Alcohol

The effect of alcohol is increased by the natural stressors placed on your body while boating. Also, dehydration causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your system. Research has proven that one third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on the road can make a boater equally impaired on the water.

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and affects judgment and slows reaction time. Most people become slightly impaired after only one drink. Alcohol makes it difficult for you to pay attention, especially to multiple tasks. For example, it will be more difficult for you to keep track of two or more vessels operating in your area.

Always designate non-drinking boaters to operate the vessel and to act as an observer if your group plans to consume alcohol. Do not allow your skipper to continue operating if he or she is drinking. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide.

Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice— Don’t Drink and Boat!