U.S. Coast Guard Provides Advice and Tips to Avoid Boating Under The Influence
By United States Coast Guard // July 14, 2020
Having no alcohol while aboard is the safest way to enjoy the water
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – U.S. Coast Guard Tips for Avoiding BUI Boating, fishing and other water sports are fun in their own right. Alcohol can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime.
Consider these alternatives to using alcohol while afloat:
• Take along a variety of cool drinks, such as sodas, water, iced tea, lemonade, or non-alcoholic beer.
• Bring plenty of food and snacks.
• Wear clothes that will help keep you and your passengers cool.
• Plan to limit your trip to a reasonable time to avoid fatigue. Remember that it’s common to become tired more quickly on the water.
Having no alcohol while aboard is the safest way to enjoy the water intoxicated passengers are also at risk of injury and falls overboard.
If you want to make alcohol part of your day’s entertainment, plan to have a party ashore at the dock, in a picnic area, at a boating club, or in your backyard.
Choose a location where you’ll have time between the fun and getting back into your car or boat.
If you dock somewhere for lunch or dinner and drink alcohol with your meal, wait a reasonable time (estimated at a minimum of an hour per drink) before operating your boat.
Spread the word on the dangers of BUI. Many recreational boaters forget that a boat is a vehicle – and that safe operation is a legal and personal responsibility.
