NCPD Urges Sober Boating as Alcohol Linked to 1 in 5 Boating Deaths
Operation Dry Water and the North Charleston Police Department warn that alcohol contributes to boating fatalities and urge boaters to stay sober, wear life jackets, and take safety courses over the holiday weekend.
Alcohol is responsible for one in five U.S. boating deaths where the primary cause is known, and Operation Dry Water is urging boaters to avoid drinking over the Fourth of July weekend; operators who boat under the influence may face arrest, impoundment, fines, jail time, and loss of privileges. The North Charleston Police Department recommends planning ahead by completing a boating safety course, staying sober, wearing life jackets, and remaining aware that sun, wind, noise and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications; the legal blood-alcohol limit for vessel operation is .08.