On a boat, wind, vibration, noise, and the sun can impair balance, coordination, and concentration - all of which are intensified by the use of alcohol, drugs, or even some medications.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents every year, but if every boat were to have a Sober Skipper at the helm, these accidents and deaths would be 100% preventable.

Our goal at the Sea Tow Foundation is to eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by encouraging all boaters to choose to be or to designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock and "Take the Pledge" to not drink any alcohol or take any drugs. Do it for your family, your friends, your passengers and everyone else on board your boat and on the water, so nothing can take you down.

What do you think is missing from our tips? Would you add anything to our list? Let us know in the comments.

While Abstaining From Alcohol is a No-Brainer, Remember to Stay Hydrated

When it comes to operating a boat safely, water should be the beverage of choice because even consuming small amounts of alcohol adds risk. Alcohol affects the body in many ways, and none of them are good when it comes to operating a boat. But forgetting to drink enough water can also have adverse consequences.

Environment

The effects of alcohol and drugs are greatly intensified by wind, vibration, the motion of the boat, noise and the sun. Alcohol is a depressant that accelerates mental and physical fatigue and can make a driver less safe as the day wears on.

Experience Level

Unlike operating an automobile — which most people do every day — the average boater only operates their boat 110 hours every year. People new to boating have been in fewer on-the-water situations and may have to think twice before performing tasks experienced boaters can do automatically. While this inexperience is magnified when consuming alcohol, no amount of experience can overcome the negative effects of drinking, which greatly reduces reaction time and situational awareness. Things can happen fast on the water and hesitation can be dangerous for all boat operators.

The 3 Detrimental Effects of Alcohol

1. Physical Coordination: Poor balance is one of the telltale signs of drinking that’s made worse by a constantly moving boat. Reaction time is longer, and a boat operator’s ability to perform even simple tasks can be hindered.

    

2. Vision: Drinking alcohol affects vision in many ways. Peripheral vision and depth perception are reduced. Night vision and the ability to focus are diminished. Alcohol consumption even affects the ability to distinguish between red and green markers.

    

3. The Ability to Think Clearly: The ability to make good decisions is one of the most important attributes of a safe boat operator. Alcohol consumption leads to riskier behavior that is proportional to the amount consumed.

Water as a Beverage of Choice: Dehydration can also adversely affect a boat operator’s ability to drive safely. Dehydration can cause dizziness and reduced concentration, which can have serious consequences on the water. Being out in the sun all day requires all on board to make a concerted effort to drink fluids and nothing beats water. Although sports drinks can quench thirst, many are loaded with sugar, which is not good in large quantities. Even a sedentary adult loses 2.5 quarts of water a day and the U.S. Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommends women should consume at least 92 ounces of water a day and men at least 120 ounces for daily maintenance. But because boaters are outdoors, these levels should be increased.

Statistics Don’t Lie: Boating Under the Influence (BUI) statistics don’t lie. Last year, there were 296 accidents where alcohol consumption was the primary cause. During those accidents, 115 people died (39%). BUI is 100% preventable. Abstaining from alcohol while operating a boat keeps those onboard and nearby safer.

You can help eliminate BUI by taking the Sea Tow Foundation's pledge to be or to designate a sober skipper before every boating trip. The Sober Skipper Campaign also has additional tools to help improve boating safety in your local area by hosting a Sober Skipper event or sharing the PSAs and videos.

To keep everyone on board safe, choosing water over beer is the right call.

Top 5 Boating Safety Trends

At the Sea Tow Foundation, our entire mission is to provide access to education, tools and resources in order to eliminate preventable recreational boating accidents and deaths. This year, we have compiled a list of the top 5 boating safety trends to pay special attention to as you take your vessel out on the water.

1) Wear Life Jackets

Every year, there are too many drownings that could have been prevented by the use of a life jacket. Not only is it required by law to have one life jacket per person on board the boat, but it can make a life or death difference during an emergency. It does not matter how strong a swimmer a person might be. Life jackets are the key to boating safety.

If you or one of your passengers does not have a life jacket for a day out on the boat, take a look at the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Database to find a Life Jacket Loaner Station near you. Life Jacket Loaner Stands are placed in locations where boaters have easy access to borrow the life jackets such as boat ramps, marinas, and fuel docks. Boaters may borrow the jackets at no cost and are asked to return them when they are finished so that others may use the life jackets.

2) Designate a Sober Skipper

Boating under the influence is against the law in every state and territory. The operator of a boat must be alert and be able to pay attention to their surroundings. And with already having to deal with the wind, vibration, noise, and the sun, adding alcohol to the situation makes matters dangerous and deadly. By taking the Sober Skipper Pledge and designating a sober skipper before leaving the dock, you are promising to take care of your passengers and yourself, ensuring that everyone can have a safe and fun time on the water.

3) File a Float Plan

A float plan is a great way to provide an overview of your boating plans for the day. This can be as simple as a note or text to a friend staying back on land and it can help give the authorities a head start in looking for you, should a problem arise. A float plan should include a description of your boat, the number of passengers onboard, the starting point, the ultimate destination, and the general route planned. You also want to include contact information for the authorities and a timeframe, so that if you aren’t back at the designated time, you know that your friend will call for help. All of this is a good way to prepare and know that someone can find you in case of an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard's free mobile app has a float plan that you can fill out and send to family and friends.

4) Know Local Boating Laws

Every state has its own laws for boating. Make sure that before you cast off, you know what is expected of you and your passengers. Are there certain places you can and cannot fish or certain times when fishing isn’t allowed? Do you have to wear a life jacket during certain cold weather months and what age is required to wear a life jacket at all times? Who is required to take a boating safety course and carry a certificate in this state? These are things you have to be certain of before heading out on the water so that you don’t get a citation. Check out our recent article on how to find out your state's boating laws by clicking here.

5) Build Your Safety Toolkit

Being safe out on the water is much easier when you have the right tools available for the right situation. By keeping an up-to-date safety toolkit, you can make sure that, if an emergency should arise, you and your passengers will be able to face it properly. A well-stocked toolkit should include emergency flares, a flashlight, a first aid kit, some non-perishable food, extra drinking water, rain and cold weather clothing, a bailing bucket, rope, a paddle, a whistle, and an emergency blanked. All of these items should be packed in a waterproof case that will float so that you can have access to everything no matter what happens. Reach out to our friends at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club to schedule a free Vessel Safety Check before your next boating trip!

What do you see as a top boating safety trend in your local waterways? Share in the comments below.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.