The Dangers of Drinking and Boating: Why It’s Never Safe
Consuming alcohol while on a boat can significantly endanger your safety and the safety of others around you. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) warns both boat operators and passengers to refrain from alcohol consumption while aboard a boat, whether the boat is in motion or stationary. Drinking while boating increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and receiving a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charge.
The Truth About Drinking and Boating
According to the USCG, boat operators are more likely to become impaired faster than drivers on land. The marine environment accelerates the effects of alcohol due to the boat’s motion, vibrations, and exposure to the sun and wind. These environmental factors, combined with alcohol, can delay reaction times, impair coordination, and cloud judgment—all crucial skills when operating a boat.
Impaired Boat Operators
Boat operators who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of accidents because the marine environment intensifies the alcohol’s effects. With slower reaction times and impaired coordination, operating a boat becomes incredibly dangerous.
Risks to Passengers
Boat passengers are also at risk of intoxication-related injuries. Drinking increases the chance of falling overboard or stumbling around the boat. In over half of boating fatalities, intoxicated individuals fell overboard or caused the boat to capsize.
There Is No Safe Amount of Alcohol While Boating
Under Ohio Revised Code §1547.11, it is illegal to operate any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is typically 0.08, even a BAC lower than this can impair your ability to operate a boat safely.
Legal BAC Limits and Impairment
Even with a BAC as low as 0.06, impairment can be significant enough to put a boater and others at risk. A BAC above 0.09 guarantees impairment. Remember, alcohol doesn’t have to be consumed only by the operator to be dangerous.
Risks Beyond Operating the Boat
Even if you’re not operating the boat or the boat is stationary, alcohol still poses a risk. Swimming while intoxicated is dangerous due to loss of coordination and awareness of surroundings. Moving around the boat also becomes more hazardous when under the influence, as it impairs balance and judgment.
Drinking and Boating Is a Crime
Boating under the influence of alcohol is not just dangerous; it’s illegal. A first offense for BUI can lead to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Penalties increase if a person is injured or killed due to the intoxication of a boater.
Consequences of a BUI Charge
If caught operating a boat while intoxicated, the legal consequences can include jail time, hefty fines, and loss of boating privileges. This can escalate if anyone is injured or killed.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
If an intoxicated boater has injured you, their intoxication can serve as proof of negligence in your case. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we assist injured boaters and their families in seeking compensation for the damages caused by intoxicated or irresponsible boat operators.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation at 419-843-6663.
Jeff joined GT&B in 2008 as a law clerk. After graduation, he worked in election law. In 2011, he returned to GT&B as an Associate, focusing on personal injury cases like auto accidents, premises liability, general negligence, wrongful death, and dog bites. Now a Senior Associate in the Personal Injury department, he is passionate about protecting his clients who have suffered injuries through no fault of their own and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
