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Alcohol plays role in many boating accidents

Today's News-Herald
Published Friday, September 3, 2010 8:47 AM MST

Today's News-Herald

The boating season never really ends on Lake Havasu but the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the busiest. The bookend holiday weekends are especially crowded and require even more vigilance and patience than normal.

Law enforcement officers will have a strong presence to take care of those who aren’t demonstrating responsible behavior. A variety of government agencies have police patrol boats on the water, assuring safety and alcohol violations aren’t tolerated.

We’re amazed, by the way, that alcohol continues to be an issue with boaters on Lake Havasu. Tougher punishments and increased enforcement should’ve done the trick a long time ago. Yet whether at alcohol checkpoints or from patrol stops, arrests for operating under the influence are common.

As Today’s News-Herald staff writer Jayne Hanson pointed out in a recent article, the Colorado River is the fourth-deadliest waterway in the country and alcohol plays a role in a high number of boating accidents.

Saturation patrols and OUI checkpoints nab a lot of offenders who are over the legal alcohol limit of .08 percent. Many of those arrested are surprised to learn the penalties are the same for a violation in a boat as for driving a car under the influence. It’s an expensive lesson.

Many boat operators do so after a single alcoholic drink or maybe a couple. They may well be under the legal limit. But their actions may still draw law enforcement’s notice.

It’s tempting on a bright summer day on the relaxing waves to kick back with good food and good drink. Yet hot temperatures and low humidity can lead to dehydration, increasing the apparent effects of alcohol.

In essence, most people are probably much better off leaving the adult beverages behind while boating.

We hope they do. And that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

— Today’s News-Herald

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Comments (1 comment(s))

tntareinlove2000 wrote on Sep 9, 2010 6:47 PM:

" It is a really sad to hear that. But unfortunately it is true. So many people think that it is OK. To drive a boat impaired of alcohol. The really sad thing is that it takes losing lives on the lakes, river, and oceans to even think about the importance of OUI or DUI. I just hope that more and more people every year think before they act. Maybe before it happens to them or friends or even their own family members. No one is perfect and yes we ALL make mistakes. But when are people going to wake up!! I have very many friends that travel by boat to go to work. Or even spending time on the lakes just to have fun. And their is not a moment that I don't think about their safety. "

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