- Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is not only unsafe—it’s illegal. There are penalties, which include fines up to $5,000 and jail time up to 364 days.
- Operating a boat under the influence increases the likelihood of an accident and lowers the chance of survival after an accident.
- Boating under the influence is arguably more dangerous than driving while impaired. Wind, sun, noise, motion and vibration can amplify the effects. Boats don’t have the same safety features as cars, such as airbags and seatbelts. When someone is involved in a car accident, they are not normally faced with the threat of drowning. Finally, the emergency response may not be nearly as quick on the water as on land.
- Boat operators—aka Skippers—are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board. A responsible Skipper will never operate under the influence or allow an intoxicated person to operate the boat. We encourage people to designate a sober skipper before heading out on the water.