Navigating Risky Waters: The Effects of Drinking While Boating

Getting out on the boat with friends is supposed to be fun, and alcohol can be a part of that. However, alcohol’s negative effects can be exacerbated on a boat, which can take people by surprise.

We’re not here to take the fun out of drinking and boating, as part of the experience of the lifestyle is to enjoy it socially, and for many that includes drinking. But we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t talk about boating safety. So with that in mind, here are several ways that alcohol and boating can be a dangerous combination. 

Impaired Judgment and Balance

When it comes to boating, alcohol is a treacherous companion, as it can negatively affect:

• Balance: Staying upright on a boat is crucial. Alcohol disrupts equilibrium, making overboard falls more likely.
• Judgment: Intoxication impairs decision-making abilities. This can lead to risky behavior and engaging in dangerous situations.

Slowed Reaction Time

Quick reactions are essential on the water, and not just for the captain of the boat. Passengers also need to be able to react quickly to boating hazards. 

• Signal Processing: Alcohol delays information reception from your senses, including your ability to process when you’re in danger.
• Night Boating Hazard: Diminished night vision and color confusion make night boating riskier when you’re intoxicated.

Stressors Amplify the Danger

Boating stressors — noise, vibrations, sun, glare, wind and water motion — affect both operators and passengers alike in several ways, including :

• Boater’s Hypnosis: Prolonged exposure induces fatigue, slowing reaction time.
• Multiplying Risk: Alcohol consumption intensifies stressor effects.

Vision Impairment and Color Confusion

Alcohol messes with your eyesight too, which is not something you want to happen on a boat, especially if you’re the captain. Alcohol affects the following:

• Peripheral Vision: Narrows your awareness of surroundings.
• Night Vision: Navigating in darkness becomes treacherous.
• Color Perception: Misreading navigation lights is a real danger.

Sobering Statistics

We normally don’t post statistics on our blog, as they’re often inconsistent from source to source. However, we consider the United States Coast Guard a very reliable source for maritime statistics. So here are three USCG stats for 2022 about boating and alcohol:

• Alcohol was the leading known factor in 16% of boating fatalities in 2022.
• The fatality rate was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.
• 50% of all recreational boating fatalities involve drugs or alcohol.

Cheers to Safe Boating

Responsible boating requires staying sober at the helm. But even as a passenger, sobriety is important as well, since you may be called upon to help the captain or other passengers during an emergency.

You’ll want to stay sober enough to lend a hand if needed, or to act as a lookout, avoid seasickness, and maintain boating etiquette so that you’ll get invited back. Yes, you can enjoy drinks responsibly on a boat, but keep the negative effects of alcohol in mind and (no pun intended) don’t go overboard with it.