Memorial Day is always a popular time for boating, however it is important to practice safety when on the water. Boating under the influence is a dangerous thing that, unfortunately, happens way too often.
Boating under the influence is similar to driving under the influence however, alcohol is more dangerous when consumed on the water than on land, according to the US Coast Guard.
Operating a watercraft under the influence increases boating fatalities by 34 percent and is hazardous to everyone on the boat. Alcohol use can impair a boater’s judgement, balance and vision greatly. Exposure to sun, wind, noise, vibration, ocean’s glare and motion may intensify the effects of alcohol.
Your ability to respond to an emergency quickly could also be impaired while boating under the influence. This is especially important on holidays when more people are boating. Passengers who are consuming alcohol should be careful since it can cause slips, falls overboard, and other dangerous accidents.
Not to mention, the consequences of boating under the influence are very serious. Some of the consequences include:
- Losing your boating license
- Gaining a criminal record
- Death or serious injury to you and/or those on the watercraft
Take extra precaution this Memorial Day weekend to prevent boating fatalities and to keep your family safe. Never drive a boat under the influence.