Boating Sailing

There’s a natural association between boating or sailing and alcohol, and while it seems normal and ordinary to want to go out fishing or sailing and have a few drinks, this decision can be one of the most dangerous choices you can make when going out on a boat.

Alcohol and boating are a deadly combination.

The dangers of boating and being under the influence of alcohol are numerous, and regardless of whether you are the driver or the passenger, your risks to your own life increase significantly if you drink on a boat. The obvious concerns are falling overboard and drowning, something that is real and occurs hundreds of times per year on lakes, rivers, and oceans. If you choose to drink while you’re on a watercraft, be sensible and wear a lifevest. Wear one even if you’re not drinking alcohol. You’re much more likely to stay afloat and alive, if you have a floatation device. It’s that simple. But falling overboard without one just adds to your chance of death, especially if you’ve had a few cocktails.

Operating a boat while drinking is just stupid, and the same rules should apply as if you were driving a motor vehicle; the runs on the water are much more complex, and boaters must be on constant alert for floating objects, natural obstacles, and other boats! Be sensible and stay in port if you own a boat, and again, were your lifevest.

There are enough dangers on the waters to be concerned about with adding to them with alcohol. If you choose to drink, be safe, and be sensible…challenging words for someone who might be as tipsy as their boat.

No related posts.