BOATING WASTED IS WASTED BOATING

Many are unaware, convey the facts

A significant factor increasing the dangers of drinking and boating is boater fatigue. Maintaining balance on a moving boat requires muscles to constantly tense and relax to keep equilibrium. This continuous motion, coupled with prolonged sun exposure, leads to physical fatigue that amplifies the effects of alcohol, as well as illegal and certain prescription drugs.

Passengers are also impacted by these conditions and face unique risks associated with boating. For instance, an impaired passenger is much more likely to fall out of a moving boat than a car. They are also more prone to making poor decisions, such as approaching a boat’s propeller while swimming.

Furthermore, the reason drinking and boating can be more hazardous than drinking and driving is ironically the opposite of why some might consider it less risky: the regulations on the water are perceived as more relaxed. Unlike roads, there are no strict lanes to stay in or precise speed limits to follow. When individuals are unaware of or disregard the boating rules, and their judgment is impaired, they are more likely to make poor decisions.

Know your state’s laws
The blood-alcohol levels for boating under the influence (BUI) usually follow a state’s DUI laws. In many cases a BUI conviction may impact an offender’s automobile driving privileges. Check your state’s laws.

Blood alcohol chart
Check out this blood alcohol chart from USCG, estimating BUI impairment based on body weight. You’ll be surprised!

Action for safe boating

• Lead by example. We can’t expect others to change if we haven’t.
• Educate in small sound bites. When we know better, we do better. 
• Help your fellow boaters have more fun and stay out longer. If your day on the water involves alcohol, please designate a safe skipper.
• Find ways to incentivize your sober skippers. Consider bringing their favorite food, just for them. Mock cocktails or special desserts. 
• Review our resources section for downloadable and shareable information.

The more educated boaters you know, the larger the pool of people who can take turns being safe skippers for you and your family.

Boating is serious fun. We’ve provided a variety of advocate tools and outreach methods, choose what works best for you and your community.

• Visit spread the word for easy outreach through personal social media outlets and boating forums.
• Provide year-round education on all boating safety topics – download pamphlets, flyers, banners, and posters. Great event materials. Search by topic in the resource section.
• Download our marketing playbook.
• Don’t know where to start?  Contact us. We’re happy to help.

*U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics Report, 2023