Think before you drink!
While on the water many boaters like to have a beer or two. However, over doing it can be hazardous and can be devastatingly costly in some states.
More than 1000 boaters die each year in boating accidents. 90% of the victims drown-and half of those deaths involve alcohol.
Even if you are slightly intoxicated you are more likely to fall overboard and more likely to suffer from hypothermia. Alcohol reduces the bodies ability to insulate itself against cold water.
For a person weighing 120 to 140 pounds, three 12 ounce beers or three 5-ounce glasses of wine consumed within two hours can raise the blood alcohol content between .05 and .1 percent.
In some states the legal intoxication is .08 percent. Skippers can face up to $1,000 dollar fine as a civil penalty, or $5,000 fine and one year in jail as a criminal penalty for operating a pleasure boat while drunk.
If you plan to steer a boat think before you take a drink. If you are a passenger use moderation.