Sober Boaters are Safer Boaters

Intense sun, winds, sea spray, vibration, and the rolling motion of a vessel create “boater’s fatigue,” a condition that mimics the effects of being under the influence in persons who are sober. Add in alcohol and/or certain legal and illegal drugs, which reduce sharpness of vision, balance, judgment, and reaction time, and a skipper quickly slips into being incapable of making proper decisions and spotting potential risks. As a portion of boaters have less experience and confidence operating a boat than they do driving a car, impairment can be even more dangerous for boaters than for drivers!

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents — where the primary cause was known, it was listed by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as the leading factor in 17 percent of deaths. Yet there still persists an attitude with some irresponsible boat operators that alcohol and boating go hand-in-hand. They proclaim a right to kick back and imbibe, completely disregarding the consequences of their rash behavior. Boaters under the influence gamble with their own safety as well as others aboard; additionally, they threaten everyone unlucky enough to be in their vicinity on the water.

GRDA Police and other marine enforcement agencies are active all boating season to rid the waterways of intoxicated boaters. Boaters suspected of boating under the influence (BUI) will be stopped and arrested, not warned. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is against federal law and Oklahoma state law.

Encounters with law enforcement may take place anytime you are on our lakes and rivers, as police are on the lookout for signs of intoxication day and night. Checkpoints will be set up without warning, and marine officers will administer sobriety tests as deemed warranted. In addition, vessels will be stopped if an officer observes possible violations of the navigation laws or deems a boat to be operating in an unsafe manner. For example, a vessel observed going too fast through a no-wake zone might end up with its operator arrested for alleged BUI.

It is illegal in every state and territory to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Depending on the jurisdiction, operators arrested for BUI face the same or similar consequences as those arrested and convicted for driving while intoxicated on land, possibly including jail time, loss of operating privileges, and seizure of the vessel. BUI laws pertain to all vessels, from canoes and rowboats to the largest ships. Every arrest incurs the expense of legal defense and a potential loss of wages.

Though not the object of law enforcement, alcohol also poses a danger to passengers. Being under the influence can lead to slips, falls overboard, and other dangerous accidents. It's just not worth the risk!