Alcohol and Boats Really Don't Mix | Boat Insurance Blog - United ...

No matter how much safety training people receive before getting on a boat, it seems that many individuals toss those safety guidelines overboard as soon as they?re out on the water. Alcohol and boating seem to go hand in hand, but the probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. While we know that boating safety and drinking is a dry topic, especially coming from a boat insurance company, you may be shocked by some of the statistics gathered here.

Alcohol-Related Boating Fatalities

In a published 2004 study, Review of the role of alcohol in drowning associated with recreational aquatic activity, the authors stated that alcohol is widely used in association with recreational aquatic activity in the United States, but there is minimal information regarding the extent of use elsewhere. According to the abstract, ?Drowning appears to be the overwhelming cause of death associated with recreational aquatic activity with alcohol detected in the blood in 30%?70% of persons who drown while involved in this activity.?

While the authors of this research conclude that more studies need to be conducted concerning the use of alcohol and recreational water sports, many statistics have shown the increased need for actions such as Operation Dry Water. This BUI (Boating Under the Influence) initiative shows that 19% of all boating fatalities result from alcohol use.

Drinking on the water is not illegal, no more than it?s illegal for you to drink at a bar down the street. It is illegal, however, to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Operating a boat on the water while intoxicated is like driving a potential lethal weapon. Last year, 672 deaths occurred from boating accidents, and alcohol was the number one contributing factor.

The Centers for Disease Control states that among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, almost a quarter of emergency departments visits for drowning, and about one in five reported boating deaths.

Some Sobering Statistics

Fourth of July weekend is, notoriously, one of the craziest times to be on the water. Some boat owners won?t risk the effort anymore, as the fun can be marred in an instant by a drunken boat operator. Some states are more dangerous than others for a number of reasons. For instance, Florida again leads the nation in boating accidents, with 742 boating incidents and 67 fatalities.

However, boating is a year-round activity in that state, which is home to the most registered boats in the country. The leading cause of death was drowning, and many accidents included crashing into other boats. Statistically, some other states experience some equally disturbing numbers.

Tim Smalley, boat and water safety information officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, stated that alcohol-related deaths are becoming a larger portion of all boating deaths in Minnesota. Prior to last year, alcohol was found in 30 percent of boating fatalities. In 2011, 50 percent of those killed while boating had alcohol in their system.

The effects of being on a boat and drinking are more severe than being on land and drinking. Constant motion and vibration, sun, and engine noise, all combine to increase impairment. The Coast Guard estimates that in over half the boating deaths involving alcohol, the victims fell overboard or capsized their boat. An intoxicated person in the water faces a double danger ? being unaware of the onset of hypothermia and increased disorientation resulting from inner ear disturbances. Alcohol influences balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.

Boat Safety Courses

The lack of safety measures on the water can be disturbing. For instance, Alabama currently is the only state that requires a boating license. That boating license is required for all persons 12 years of age and older who operate a motorized vessel on Alabama waters. This fact alone should scare any boat owner who might believe that every boat operator in the continental U.S. has at least gone through a boat safety course.

Washington state law requires boat operators to carry a Washington State Boater Education card when operating motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater, and Arkansas requires that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat to successfully completed an approved AGFC Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. Nebraska law requires any motorboat operator (including personal watercraft) born after December 31, 1985, to complete a Boating Safety Course and be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat.

But, some other states like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Wyoming, do not require a boat safety course to operate a boat. States such as Minnesota do require boat safety courses, but that stipulation applies only to some operators of boats and/or personal watercraft. If you?re curious about your state laws, visit the United States Power Squadrons? list of state-by-state boating course laws.

Boat safety courses don?t eliminate accidents nor drinking while on board; however, boat owners may learn what safety equipment is required on board as well as about the life jacket issue. A life jacket on the water is just as important as a seat belt in a car, because seat belts and life jackets could save lives. As an added plus, if you take a boat safety course you could receive a discount on your boat insurance.

If you?re going to drink while on a boat, do just as you might do if you?re drinking on land ? bring along a designated driver (DD). Remember ? unless you plan to spend the night on your boat, you also need to drive home once you dock. Treat that DD right ? because that person could save your life.

Source: http://www.unitedmarine.net/blog/index.php/2012/07/17/alcohol-and-boats-really-dont-mix/

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