INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON BOAT OPERATION
DRIVE SOBER
Because of the fatiguing effects of the sun, wind, and the motion of the boat, one drink on board is like three on shore! This means if you are drinking at all, then you should not be operating a boat or PWC. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of other boaters or the passengers in your care. Your balance, vision, coordination, and judgment are all affected adversely by the consumption of even one alcoholic drink. Coupled with environmental elements (sun, glare, wind, motion), alcohol can have very serious consequences on the water. Please be responsible when operating your boat. If you are operating a vessel, you should avoid alcohol consumption.
MYTHS AND REALITIES OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
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MYTHS
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REALITY
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"A few beers won't hurt."
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Even in small amounts, alcohol affects coordination and judgment. A bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a drink of liquor all produce the same effect.
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"Most drowning accidents result from swimming."
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More than 60% of drowning accidents occur after the victim accidentally falls off a dock, shoreline, or vessel into the water. Autopsies show that more than one-third of the victims of such falls (mostly men) were impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.
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"Drinking alcohol while operating a boat is not a serious offense."
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Operating a boat while intoxicated is just as dangerous as operating a car in that condition. The marine authorities are equipped with breathalyzers. If the results are positive, the police may lay charges.
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"There's no harm in drinking alcohol on the beach before swimming."
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Alcohol affects judgment. The person drinking can easily overestimate their abilities or misjudge a risk they would not take under normal circumstances. Furthermore, it is illegal to drink in some public places, such as a beach or a dock.
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Source: "Water and alcohol - myths and realities." Red Cross Society"
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