Tips to avoid boating under the influence, according to the Boating Safety Resource Center of the U.S. Coast Guard.
* An alcoholic beverage is only to be consumed by those of the legal age of 21 and older.
Consider these alternatives to using alcohol while afloat:
- Keep stock of plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages for hydration.
- Bring snacks and other food items to reinforce energy as needed.
- Avoid fatigue. Limit your trip to a reasonable time. Drinking alcohol on the water may accelerate fatigue possibly resulting in an accident or injury.
- Be cautious to party ashore, at the dock, boating club, etc. Allot drinking time to these and not behind the wheel of your boat.
- Wait a reasonable time after drinking an alcoholic beverage before operating your boat.
- Having no alcohol on board is the safest way to enjoy the water. Intoxicated passengers may be at risk of injury or falling overboard.
- Spread the word. Boating under the influence is just as serious as drinking and driving, if not more. *A boat is still a vehicle.
Boating, fishing and other water sports are fun in their own right. These water sports are meant for enjoyment but may turn in the course of an accident, as a result of drinking alcohol.
Take these initiatives to follow for a safe and fun summer on the water. Do not drink and boat. If you however find yourself in this unfortunate accident, please give a Tampa boating accident attorney a call today to assist you in your claim. Call 813-931-0840 today!