Before I even begin to write this blog, I know it's not going to be a very popular one. But, that's okay with me. After spending six years in the Coast Guard, and witnessing many boating while intoxicated incidents, I don't mind going on the record to say "Don't Drink and Boat." The message is nothing new, really. We hear it all the time in our society, but unfortunately, no matter how much education is offered as to why boating and drinking is a stupid idea, many boaters aren't heading the message. Statistics such as 1 of every 5 boating fatalities is directly related to BUI are ignored.
This is why I was so thankful for the the recent results of the crackdown on BUI on June 25-27 called Operation Dry Water 2010. During Operation Dry Water 2010, 2,708 law enforcement officers made contact with 40,127 vessels, issuing 4,171 citations and 322 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests.
Call me crazy, but heading the advice of the many agencies that educate and advocate for dry boating is a lot smarter than getting a citation or BUI conviction. Too bad some boaters will just have to learn the hard way.
For some hard facts about the effects of alcohol while boating and ways to avoid a BUI, see Drinking While Boating - Don't Do It.
Comments
Is boating the same as driving?Is boating the same as flying?Is boating the same as being an engineer on a train?Is boating the same as operating a commercial vessel on the rivers and the seas?Is boating the same as base jumping?
I am not making light of any boating experience,I am trying to show the difference in risk factors between boating and other forms of transportation.
First, you should never go anywhere in a boat by yourself for it is far too risky.It is exactly the same with snorkel or scuba diving.
Second, you should never have each and every person on board so drunk they cannot function.
Third, you should never go out of a harbor without knowledge of where you are going and at least one way to return to land.
Fourth, you should never go out of a harbor without the best weather forecast.This is the exact same thing for flying.Making any voyage risky includes a lack of knowledge about the weather which kills most people on boats.
Fifth,anyone operating a boat should have a serious license and serious instruction at the point of purchase like those people driving,flying,operating a train,or base jumping.No one should go off who cannot risk losing this license and the ability to own or operate a vessel.Why should any state agency rescue an unlicensed operator?This is like loaning people money without having any downpayment or collateral.And each and every person selling the vessel should let this disclosure be read by the purchaser.
not bad to drink and boat facility because they are already inside or peace of mind.