Would you ever get into a car with a drunk driver? Definitely not. But what about a boat, where the operator has had a few drinks? That’s where the lines have often become blurred.

Boating Under the Influence is a widespread issue, and it is the leading cause of all fatal boating accidents. However, BUI is not only illegal in every state, but it’s 100% preventable. Drinking and driving is taken very seriously, with people assigning designated drivers or taking an Uber when alcohol has been involved. In fact, actions like this have become second-nature for cars, but the water is a different story, and we have to do something about it.

You can be a part of changing this narrative by taking the pledge to always have a Sober Skipper behind the helm. That means pledging to either be or designate the Sober Skipper before you leave the dock. The operator of the boat will remain 100% drug and alcohol free to ensure that the boat is operated safely and everyone on board stays safe as well. Take the pledge, and help keep the water a safe and fun place for everyone.

Since the start of the Sober Skipper Campaign, more than 131,000 boaters have taken the Sober Skipper pledge and BUI accidents have fallen from 108 deaths and 248 injuries reported in 2014 to 86 and 186, respectively in 2021. 

Join the Sea Tow Foundation as we work to achieve the goal of “Heading to Zero”– that's zero BUI accidents, zero alcohol related boating deaths and zero drunk skippers behind the wheel. BUI is 100% preventable and the Sea Tow Foundation believes that BUI should nevre be the reason someone doesn't come home from a day on the water.

Spread the word about the importance of Sober Skippers by sharing this PSA video.