By far the mixture of alcohol and boat operation is the most obvious danger summer vacationers face next to the crowded highways. More than one half of all boating accidents involve operators who have been drinking. As unbelievable as it may seem, most boaters don't understand the affect alcohol has on the human body and believe they can handle the drinks.
For example, it is the common belief that beer is less intoxicating than hard liquor. Looking at the facts, one 12-ounce beer contains the same amount of alcohol as 4 ounces of wine or 1 1/2 ounces of 86 proof liquor.
Others believe that diluting hard liquor with soda will slow the absorption rate. Actually, diluting an alcoholic beverage with water or fruit juice slows the absorption, but combining alcohol with a carbonated drink will speed up the body's absorption of the alcohol.
Still more boaters have the impression that a cold shower, coffee or physical activity and fresh air will sober them up but any of those actions will only result in a wide-awake drunk. Only your liver can detoxify alcohol. For each drink you consume, it takes the liver two hours to sober you up.
Two other misconceptions about boating and alcohol are the statements that a shot of whiskey or brandy will warm you up and the liquor acts as a stimulant. Alcohol dilates the small blood vessels close to the skin, giving you the warm feeling but, in fact, the glowing feeling actually reduces your body's ability to guard against heat loss.
As for being a stimulant, alcohol is actually a depressant drug. As it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the stomach, the alcohol depresses body functions and learned restrictions to social behavior. Judgement, balance, vision and reaction time are all affected by alcohol in the bloodstream, and the action begins within seconds of swallowing the first drink.
Have you ever wondered why an excellent swimmer suddenly drowns for no apparent reason? If that person had been drinking, the reason is very clear. Alcohol intensifies what is known as caloric labyrinthitis, a medical term for the disorientation caused by water entering the ear. An intoxicated person whose head is immersed can become so confused that he/she actually swims down instead of toward the surface.
Some think because they are large-framed that they can absorb much more alcohol and won't become impaired as quickly. Consider this; a 12-ounce beer is equal to 4 ounces of 12% wine or 1 1/2 ounces of 86 proof liquor. A person weighing between 100 and 130 pounds will become impaired after the first drink. A person weighing between 130 and 160 pounds will become impaired after only two drinks and a person weighing between 160 and 200 pounds will be legally drunk after just three drinks.
Now, add to these statistics, what is known as "boater's fatigue." After just four hours on the water, the glare, vibration, motion and exposure to the sun will cause symptoms and affect your body functions the same as if you were legally drunk. Add alcohol to the mixture and you become very dangerous behind the wheel of a boat.
Each summer at about this same time, The Maine Warden Service issues a statewide warning that their officers will begin writing summons for bad boating instead of just warnings. Whatever reasons or cop-outs you may have had about drinking a beer or some wine then driving a boat, you better reconsider immediately. Arrest for drunk driving a boat can become a lifestyle changer in a heartbeat.
Being on the water is a great way to spend your leisure hours but driving a boat carries with it the same responsibilities as driving an automobile. Teach the whole family how to safely operate the boat and take turns being the designated skipper. As always, I remind you that I will be watching out for you and ask the same courtesy in return.
