Boating under the influence of alcohol, just like driving under the influence, is a hazardous and illegal activity. This guide will help inform boaters about the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol and offer tips on how to avoid this situation.

1. Dangers and Penalties
ÒÒ Increased confidence may
reduce likelihood of following
safety rules
ÒÒ Impaired judgment may
cause you to take unsafe risks
ÒÒ Decreased attention span
may affect your ability to spot
other boaters or recognize
dangerous conditions
ÒÒ Loss of balance or reduced
reaction time can impair
your ability to operate a
watercraft safely
ÒÒ A BUI arrest can cost you
your driver’s license as well
as your boating license
ÒÒ Most states levy heavy fines
for BUI convictions
ÒÒ A BUI conviction may come
with a mandate to complete a
boating safety course
ÒÒ In many states, a BUI
conviction carries jail time
along with other penalties
✔✔ Avoid alcohol consumption entirely while operating
a boat or personal watercraft
✔✔ Bring nonalcoholic beverages along
✔✔ If you drink before boating, allow at least one hour per
drink before operating a boat
✔✔ Know your state’s legal limit for blood-alcohol content
(0.08 percent in most states, the same as for driving a car)
✔✔ Determine if your state prohibits BUI even in watercraft
with no motors, such as kayaks and canoes
✔✔ Check your state’s BUI laws to avoid misunderstandings
✔✔ Remain calm if you are pulled over by police, and comply
with police requests instead of arguing or trying to talk
your way out of the situation
✔✔ Take extra care during holiday weekends, as accident
and BUI arrest numbers increase
✔✔ If you are arrested for BUI, contact a qualified DUI
attorney to ensure your rights are protected
• IMPAIRED JUDGMENT •
• REDUCED REACTION TIME •
• INCREASED SELF-CONFIDENCE •
• SHORTENED ATTENTION SPAN •
• LOSS OF BALANCE AND DIZZINESS •
• BLURRED VISION •
• SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS •
• IMPAIRED COMPREHENSION •
• LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS •
Effects of Alcohol
While Boating
Tips For Avoiding BUI
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