There are few things more idyllic than the idea of cruising out into the ocean and relaxing with a cold beer in hand and great company. But boating and alcohol can be a dangerous mix.
When you’re renting a boat, boat safety should always be a consideration. Here’s everything you need to know about drinking on the water.
What’s the Legal Limit?
Just like drinking and driving, drinking and boating has a legal limit. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times people seem to think being out on the water means there are no rules.
It couldn’t be further from the truth. Drinking and boating is dangerous. It’s one of the leading factors contributing to recreational boating fatalities. It can sound like an impossible situation, but more than 600 people a year die in recreational boating accidents in the US.
So stick to the limit, or better yet, don’t drink at all if you’ll be the designated driver. The legal limit to operate a boat in most states is 0.8% blood alcohol level, but make sure to check your specific state laws. And there’s truly no reason to break this rule, because if you’re not able to appoint a designated driver on the boat, you can just let us know: we have certified captains on our team who are more than happy to pilot your rental boat for you while you sit back and relax.
This is the same limit for driving a car. Similarly, those under 21 years of age are not allowed to operate a boat with any amount of alcohol in their system.
However, alcohol can have more physical effects on the water. Things like a lack of balance, dehydration from the weather, and more can all make you feel drunk more easily. This quickly becomes scary if someone falls overboard.
Consequences of Drinking and Boating
Fatalities aren’t the only risk from drinking and boating. You can seriously injure yourself and others through collisions with other vessels or property.
Operating a boat under the influence is a misdemeanor on its own. The maximum punishment is a year in jail, as well as fines. However, if someone else is injured during the accident, this punishment increases to a felony.
If no one is killed, then the punishment is up to a year in prison and $5,000 in fines. However, if there is a fatality due to negligence, the prison time can be up to 10 years.
You can be pulled over by the coast guard if you’re seen displaying drunken or reckless behavior on a boat. They have the right to check your blood alcohol levels with a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusal to do so can lead to stiffer penalties down the line.
As well as all of the above, if you want to get back out onto the water after boating under the influence, you may be required to take a boat safety course to do so.
We don’t want to be a killjoy by any means. Boating can be and should be, fun. With this in mind, there are some simple boat safety rules you can follow while out on the water to ensure everyone’s safety.
Boat Safety Tips
- Don’t drink and drive — on the water or on land!
- Always wear a life jacket
- Know the law in your state
- Stay well hydrated
- Wear sunscreen
- Stay ahead of the weather with apps
- Know CPR
And last but by far the most important, have fun!
Boat Rental
Don’t let the somber tone of this article put you off getting out on the water. If proper boat safety precautions are followed, boating is a relaxing and wonderful experience. If you’re in the Melbourne, Florida area and you’re looking for boat rentals, just get in touch.
Don’t forget that 321 Boat Rental also has certified captains available to drive the boat for you. If you’d prefer to have one of our certified captains act as your “designated driver”, just let us know!