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Home » Consumer Information » Water Safety

Drugs & Alcohol on the Water

It is commonly said the alcohol and water do not mix, and with good reason. Whenever you will be spending time on the water, it is essential for your safety and the safety of others that you are not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

Impairment

Taking drugs or alcohol will have a negative effect on your body. Your reflexes and response time will be slower, your coordination and balance will be impaired and your judgement can be affected. When you are on or in the water, it is important to be operating at full capacity so you can react to any hazards or potential dangers right away. Drugs and alcohol will seriously affect your ability to do so.

When mixed with the water

Spending time on or in the water will make the affects of drugs and alcohol stronger and even more dangerous. Being out under the sun, and the motion of the continuous waves will already be tiring and stressful enough over time without adding the dangers of alcohol or drugs.

Swimming under the influence

Anyone who swims should only do so at full mental and physical capacity. When you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it will greatly increase the danger of being in the water. It will be easier to become disoriented, and difficult to maintain the proper balance and coordination that is essential to any swimmer. Simply put, being under the influence when you get into the water will greatly increase your chances of drowning. Do not take the risk.

Boating under the influence

Not only is it illegal, it is also just plain stupid to do. A day of boating can already lead to fatigue and diminished reaction times, and that will only be made worse by the use of drugs or alcohol. Being under the influence will make it much easier to lose control of the vessel and lessen your ability to maneuver around other boats and obstacles properly.

A study done by the United States Coast Guard showed that the majority of boating accidents were in some way linked to the use of drugs or alcohol. One study proved that at least half of the drowning victims they found had either crashed and sank their boats, or simply fallen over the side of the vessel.

Boat passengers

Many people believe that if they are not driving the boat, it is fine to drink. While this may be true, it is never a good idea to take in an amount of drugs or alcohol that will cause you to not have full control of your body and motor skills. It is important to remain sober enough to take care of yourself in case of an accident or other on board emergency.

Know the law

In most states, the legal limit of alcohol consumption is lower for boating than it is for driving. Many states also have a zero tolerance policy for anyone who is under the influence and under 21 while on a boat. The specific regulations may vary from state to state, but each state takes this problem very seriously. Even if you avoid personal harm, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol could lead to serious trouble with the law.

The bottom line is that it is never safe to use either drugs or alcohol when you will be in or on the water. Take charge of your own safety and the safety of those around you and stay sober every time you swim or sail.