Fatal accidents, injuries, heavy fines, and incarceration are some of the consequences associated with drunken boating – a behavior many boaters may not realize carries the same life-destructive dangers and similar legal penalties as drunk driving. Many states are enacting tougher penalties for drunken boating, and are working together with organizations like Boaters Against Drunk Driving to stop this fully preventable source of numerous water-based fatalities.

More people die on boats when alcohol is involved than in any other type of boating accident, says the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2007, statistics show that boating while intoxicated led to nearly 400 reported accidents among recreational boating events, resulting in 145 fatalities and multiple injuries. Overall, experts estimate that more than 60 percent of accidents on waterways are linked to alcohol consumption.

Authorities say that while boaters may make light of the risks associated with drinking alcohol and boating, studies show that the motor abilities and decision-making skills of drunken boaters are just as severely impaired as those of drunken motorists on roads. Functionality behind the wheel of a boat may be even more impaired when alcohol is present, due to constant levels of motion on the water and the absence of clear-cut lanes. The dangers associated with drowning also significantly escalate the consequences of drunk boating.

Boaters may also not realize that the convictions for drunk boating are similar to drunk driving, including large fines, loss of license, removal of a person’s boat, or incarceration. In many states, the legal blood alcohol level for waterways is 0.08 percent. A drunken boating conviction can remain for years on a person’s record, similar to a drunken driving offense. Fines can vary from state to state, but range from $500 to levels exceeding $7,500. Incarceration penalties for drunken boating can extend to two years in some states, along with a yearlong suspension of your license. In some states, including California, a drunken boating offender may also lose their driver’s license, not just their boating licenses and permits.

Citizens’ groups are working with authorities to help keep waterways safe. More than two decades ago, Boaters Against Drunk Driving was formed to help prevent drunk boating, and chapters are present in nearly 40 states. Public knowledge about the dangers of drunk boating and ways to stay safe on the water are core initiatives of BADD, including messages about life jackets and providing court information about real-life accidents or fatalities related to drunken boating events. The organization is also striving to set a nationally mandated blood alcohol level for waterways, and many states have already adopted the 0.08% recommendation from BADD into law.

The problem of drunk boating is also addressed by maritime professionals operating on the water, where it is illegal for both boat captains and their crewmen to consume alcohol and then operate boats. Maritime organizations must screen their staff for alcohol or drug abuse problems and are required to perform tests to check for substance abuse. Approved drug and alcohol testing equipment must be present on water vessels used by maritime organizations.

Experts say boaters should use the same rules as drivers to save lives and prevent injuries, including only carrying non-alcoholic beverages on board and designating a boat captain who will refrain from all alcohol use.