Many people think of beer and fishing as two things that go hand-in-hand. In reality though, drunk boating is just as dangerous – and just as illegal – as drunk driving.
Earlier this month, a Connecticut man was sentenced to more than three years in jail after a boating accident that claimed the life of one of his friends. According to police reports, the man had a blood-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit when he crashed his boat into a seawall. One passenger was killed and two others were injured
In the wake of the deadly crash, the man pleaded no contest to charges that included assault, reckless endangerment and manslaughter with a vessel while under the influence.
Drinking and Boating Never Mix
Sadly, accidents like this one will continue to occur unless people begin to understand the true risks of boating while intoxicated.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, intoxicated boating accidents claimed the lives of at least 126 Americans in 2010. Another 293 suffered significant personal injuries.
Part of the threat comes from the fact that boats are much harder to control than other motor vehicles. Boats can weigh as much, if not more, than passenger cars, but they do not have brakes and cannot be maneuvered as quickly. To make matters worse, most bodies of water do not have signs and lanes directing boaters into orderly traffic patterns.
Connecticut boaters must also understand that spending time outside in the sun magnifies the effects of alcohol. Many boaters don’t realize how impaired they are until it is too late.
If you’re going to be heading out on the water this summer, make a point to avoid alcohol. Staying sober can help you avoid a dangerous accident.