Boating Under the Influence

According to Operation Dry Water (which was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the United States Coast Guard), alcohol use was the leading factor in nearly one-fourth of recreational boating deaths (21%) in 2014.

On a positive note, from 2012 to 2013, there was a 31% decrease in the number of recreational boaters’ deaths where alcohol use was the known primary contributing factor --- the largest decrease in the number of alcohol-related recreational boater deaths in the past five years. However, as the number of drinking and boating accidents fall across the country, Frederick and Hagle, an Illinois law firm that handles boating accidents involving alcohol, points out that over the last few years the number of alcohol-related boating deaths has increased in Illinois. Only Wisconsin ranks ahead of Illinois in fatalities caused by intoxicated boating.

Boating under the influence is just as dangerous as driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and just as illegal. But sometimes people are just misinformed. Too often, boaters think having a few beers is all a part of having fun while enjoying the water and sunshine. With that in mind, the US Coastguard offers the following alcohol myths and facts.

Myth: No one ever dies on the water from drinking alcohol.

Fact: Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Myth: Getting drunk on the water takes longer than on land.

Fact: A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than an automobile driver, drink for drink. This is due to marine environmental factors, such as motion, vibration, engine noise, sun and wind.

Myth: Drinking alcohol while driving a boat is less dangerous than when driving a motor vehicle.

Fact: Drinking and driving a boat can be far more dangerous than driving a car while under the influence. Boats don’t have the luxury of seat belts like cars do, so these accidents can be detrimental.

Myth: Since a paddleboat does not have a motor, you can’t get into trouble for drinking and paddling.

Fact: BUIs are given to any vessel operator with a BAC of .08 percent or higher in most states, no matter how the vessel is propelled.

Myth: Most boating accidents that are fatal happen in the warmest summer months.

Fact: April, the start of the boating season is the month with the highest percentage of fatal boating accidents.

Myth: Fatal boating accidents only happen at night.

Fact: Most fatal boating accidents happen between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Myth: Most drownings result from swimming.

Fact: More than 60% of drownings occur after the victim accidentally falls off a dock or vessel into the water. More than one-third of the victims were impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.

Myth: You are the best person to judge whether you are fit to drive or boat.

Fact: Your judgment is one of the first victims of alcohol consumption.

There is simply no way to overstate the danger of boating under the influence. Let’s understand these facts and keep boating season safe. If you or someone you know may have a drinking problem, help is just a phone call a way.

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