Boating Under the Influence: Passengers and Operators

We may be well aware of the severity of driving under the influence, but what about boating under the influence? Like with driving under the influence, impaired boating directly increases the risk of accidents.

As boats and alcohol are no strangers to one another, it’s important to understand the detrimental impacts of boating under the influence to help prevent it. Hop on and let’s embark on a journey to understanding safe sailing as an operator and passenger.

How Does Alcohol Affect You When You Are Operating a Boat?

We may be aware of the effects of alcohol intoxication, including loss of balance, behavior changes, poor judgment, and slowed heart rate and breathing. But how does the effect of alcohol while boating compare to its effect while on land?

Due to environmental factors such as water movement, increased sun exposure, wind, and noise, the same amount of alcohol can cause increased impacts when we’re on any water vessel. How, exactly?

• Loss of balance. Alcohol disrupts our vestibular system, which controls our body’s sense of balance. When combined with impaired coordination and the unpredictable movements of the water, our balance can be seriously impacted. 
• Impaired judgment. Lowered inhibitions lead to impaired judgment and increased potential for risky behaviors. 
• Slowed reaction. Alcohol slows down messaging in our brain which leads to blurred vision and impaired motor function and coordination. This slows down our brain’s ability to appropriately comprehend and react to a situation.
• Fatigue. Categorized as a depressant, alcohol can make us drowsy and tired. Combined with increased dehydration and sun exposure, alcohol can cause exacerbated tiredness known as boater’s fatigue.

Indeed, the effects of alcohol are heightened on water. And yet, drinking on boats and other water vessels is extremely common. We know drinking and driving can be a lethal combination and is highly regulated. What about boozing and boating?

Defining Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Boating under the influence refers to operating any water vessel under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or both. While it’s named boating under the influence, BUIs are not limited to boats and include all watercraft: jet skis, water skis, kayaks, paddle boards, hydroplanes, motorboats, diver propulsion vehicles, and whatever they come up with next. 

Boating under the influence may not seem like a big deal. After all, aren’t the waters a lot less traveled than the roads? Let’s take a closer look at the anchoring facts about BUI-related incidents.

BUI Boating Accident Statistics

Accidents are a part of life. However alcohol-related accidents can be prevented. To better understand the impact that alcohol has on boating accidents, let’s get a clearer breakdown of the facts. A case-control study about alcohol use and the relative risk of death while boating outlined the following findings:

• 30-40% of boaters surveyed report drinking while boating.
• Relative risk is similar for operators and passengers and increases as BAC increases.
• Alcohol increases the risk of falling overboard whether the boat is underway or not.
• Even at a low BAC, the relative risk of death from drinking on a boat increases for all persons on the boat.

This data shows that drinking is a common but hazardous factor that can lead to boating fatalities. Data from the US Coast Guard’s 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics gives us a more detailed picture of BUI-related harms:

• In 2022, 4,040 accidents were documented, including 636 deaths and roughly 63 million dollars of property damage.
• Alcohol is the leading known contributing factor to fatal boating accidents, accounting for 16% of deaths.
• Alcohol use led to 215 reported boating accidents in 2022.
• Of fatalities that resulted from drowning, 85% were not wearing a life jacket.

These staggering statistics help us understand the severity of boating under the influence and why regulations are put in place to help keep us safe.

What Does the Law Say About Boating Under the Influence?

Like with driving, there are laws that prohibit boating under the influence. In regards to alcohol, it’s against the law to operate a water vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or over 0.08%. However, this may vary between states with some at a lower legal BAC of 0.05% and others at a higher level of 0.10%. When boating, it’s important to be aware of local regulations and err on the side of caution, not exceeding .05% or staying away from alcohol altogether if it’s unclear.

Patrols can stop and request a sobriety test if they suspect boating under the influence. If deemed unsafe, operators can be arrested even if the tested BAC is below legal limits. If an operator refuses to participate in a sobriety test, consequences may still occur. 

BUI laws may be slightly different for commercial vehicles with a lower legal BAC of 0.04% and greater consequences if not adhered to. BUI accidents that cause injury are considered aggravated BUIs and are susceptible to greater consequences. Legal consequences may vary depending on the region, but we’ll outline the general guidelines.

Consequences for Boating Under the Influence

Consequences for boating under the influence will vary depending on the severity of the crime. In most cases, the first charge is a misdemeanor. This may include fines, jail time, vessel impounding, court-ordered alcohol and drug counseling, increased insurance rates, loss of boating license/privileges, and even driver’s license suspension. 

Repeat offenses, damage of property, or having a minor on board can lead to enhanced penalties. Boating under the influence is a serious offense that not only leads to direct legal consequences but can also affect our personal life. 

Jail time, a record, and financial dues can consequently affect employment opportunities, disrupt our family environment, strain personal relationships, and impact our mental health. One poor decision can lead to negative impacts on the rest of our future. This goes for not only operators but passengers as well.

Passenger Responsibilities 

Safe boating doesn’t just fall on the operator. As a passenger, we can still be responsible for our own and others’ safety. There are many ways passengers can ensure safe boating practices: 

• Wear life vests. Life vests are similar to bike helmets. They can feel excessive when we know how to ride a bike/swim, but they’re there for a reason — to protect us. As a passenger, we can practice boat safety by wearing a life vest and being aware of emergency protocols. 
• Avoid/prevent peer pressuring. As a passenger, we may be planning to consume alcohol during the ride. For the safety of everyone aboard, avoid peer pressuring the designated driver and prevent others from pressuring them as well. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. Backseat driving gets a bad rap. However, it can save lives. Sometimes the operator may not be able to see something that a passenger can. It’s always better to speak up and be safe rather than sorry.
• Limit distractions. Alcohol is often associated with rowdiness. In conjunction with loud music, bright sunbeams, and salty winds, intoxicated passengers can effectively distract the operator — setting the scene for accidents. 
• Prevent boating under the influence. As a passenger, our safety is partly in the hands of the operator. If we suspect or know that the driver is under the influence, we can stop them from operating until it’s safe to do so. 

As passengers, we can practice boating safety, but what else is being done to combat the severity of boating under the influence?

How Is Boating Under the Influence Being Addressed?

As we’ve determined from looking at the striking statistics, BUIs are a growing issue. Some steps have been implemented to promote greater safety but there’s still work to be done. 

Due to the upward trend in BUI-related incidents, boater safety exams and greater enforcement have been implemented. To obtain a boater’s card to operate a boat, we’ll need to first pass the boater safety education exam. The National Coast Guard has also partnered with local authorities to set up more sobriety checkpoints to deter boating under the influence. 

Technology such as substance detection before operating and automatic identification systems are being trialed to help prevent accidents. However, arguably the most influential method to prevent BUIs is bringing awareness and increasing public education regarding the severity of the matter. Campaigns by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the US Coast Guard help to spread awareness and provide us with information on how to prevent it.

Preventing Boating Under the Influence

While systemic changes are being made to help address the prevalence of BUI accidents, we can also take individual actions. There are six steps we can take to practice safe boating:

1. Find alternatives. Boater’s fatigue is a real thing. A combination of the rocking, noise, and sun can leave us tired and dehydrated. Stocking up on alternatives to alcohol helps us stay hydrated throughout the journey.
2. Plan ahead. If drinking is a part of the plan, make sure to plan ahead and know where to dock. Having a clear plan for how much and when we’ll be drinking helps us account for it and continue to follow safety regulations.
3. Designate a driver. Before embarking, it’s important to designate a driver who will not drink. This clears up any confusion, especially if the driver changes on the trip there and back. 
4. Know local regulations. Regulations regarding BUIs vary depending on the region. It’s best to err on the side of caution and stay away from drinking on boats or other vessels completely. If choosing to consume alcohol, knowing local regulations helps prevent us from breaking the law.
5. Follow boat safety. In addition to following BUI laws, follow other boat safety practices, such as wearing a life vest. This helps to protect operators and passengers in case of an accident, BUI-related or not.
6. Be aware. Boating under the influence doesn’t only apply to our vessel and safety. Keeping high awareness, especially during high traffic times can reduce instances of accidents.

Even when following all prevention strategies, boating accidents from BUIs can occur. If we or a loved one have been affected by a BUI incident, there are support groups to help us get through.

Support for Those Affected by Boating Under the Influence

Whether we or a loved one are a victim or offender in a BUI incident, it’s not an easy situation to be in. Grief support, counseling, and other resources can be accessed through the following services:

• MADD Victim Helpline. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has a 24/7 victim-focused helpline. Victims are encouraged to call 1-877-623-3435 for support. 
• National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC). The NCVC website offers support and resources through many different programs.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). NOVA advocates for victims and offers resources and support. 
• Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). SADD offers support and educational resources through school and community chapters throughout the country. 

BUI offenders also need support. Alcohol dependence and misuse are serious issues that can develop into alcohol use disorder (AUD) if not addressed. There are many options to address the issue:

• Track alcohol consumption. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify an issue until we can clearly see it. Documenting our consumption, as well as the events leading up to it and the feelings we have surrounding the occasion helps us get a clear picture of our drinking habits. From there, we can set goals to quit or cut back on alcohol. 
• Quit/cut back on alcohol. Oftentimes, there are underlying factors that drive us to drink. However, by quitting or cutting back on alcohol, we decrease or eliminate external complications that can distract us from addressing the root problem. 
• Reach out for support. Opening up to friends and family can help us feel less alone. While drinking is often associated with feelings of shame, our loved ones can offer judgment-free support that can make the difference between semi-recovery and full recovery. 
• Seek treatment options. Treatment can look like several different programs. Some of us may benefit from more traditional peer support programs and others may see more progress with individual-paced learning through alcohol reduction apps. With all the available options, we can find the one that best fits our needs.

Developing a healthy relationship with alcohol helps to reduce boating under the influence and the harm that comes from it. While it’s an issue that requires an exhaustive public health and policy approach, individual action can make a difference.

Anchoring Down

Booze on boats dates back to the colonial era — adding to the dangerous normalcy of drinking on boats. While most of us are aware that driving under the influence is a big no-go, boating under the influence is an issue that is less discussed but just as serious. BUIs can capsize lives, but they are preventable. We can work to prevent BUIs by clearly understanding the consequences and making intentional choices. Say goodbye to BUIs!