Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Montana law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating or being in actual physical control of a motorboat, sailboat, water-skis, surfboard, or similar device while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slow reaction time. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple— Don't drink and boat!

Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Because you can drink faster than your system can burn off the alcohol, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).