The Dangers of Drinking and Boating

Taking a boat out on the water can be a great wayhave in your system. Alcohol can have a number of
to spend a holiday or just an average beautiful day.other influences on your ability to steer a boat.
Feeling the wind in your hair as you race the wavesThese include:
is a very unique and highly enjoyable experience. The· Impaired vision
carefree atmosphere that boating creates makes it a· Impaired reasoning skills
good venue for fun times, exciting outings and even· Decreased awareness of your surroundings
some energetic partying. However, partying often· Reduced reflexes
means the consumption of alcohol and when drinking· Poor judgment
and boating mix there can be tragic consequences.· More willing to be reckless or take risks
Thousands of people are injured or killed every year· Impaired hand-eye coordination and other
due to boating accidents caused influenced by driversnavigation skills
who have been drinking and boating. When peopleThese are some of the affects that drinking can
drink their reaction times are diminished, making ithave on your ability to guide a boat. If your
difficult for them to react to obstructions and othernavigation skills are impacted you are less likely to be
surprises that can pop up in the road.able to prevent accidents and could even cause one
Why You Should Avoid Drinking and Boatingyourself. If you plan on drinking during your fun day
Navigating a boat takes coordination and experience.out it might be a good idea to have someone else
As with any other vehicle it is important to lookdrive the boat.
ahead and maneuver your vehicle in a way thatFor More Information
keeps all passengers and the vehicles itself safe fromBy knowing what dangers are associated with an
harm or damage. This takes decision making and theactivity you are better able to make decisions
ability to react to changes in conditions.accordingly. When you act with safety standards in
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down yourmind you will not only be preventing accidents and
senses. If you are behind a steering wheel this meanspromoting your personal wellbeing, but you will also
your reaction time will be hindered and your ability tobe working to keep the general public and public
think ahead will diminish with the more alcohol youareas safer.