Skip subpage navigation
Sadly, when operating a boat, the possibility of injuries and fatalities are very real. It is important to know your boat and where you’re headed on your trip. Before leaving the dock be sure to:![Boating Safety](/-/media/Images/MHS/Infographics/Monthly-Observances/2022-Summer-Safety/Summer_Safety2022_boat_1080xDHA.ashx?h=350&w=350&hash=3A6EA058995AA6C63895B4F90D2E6D21BF4E38A7)
- Follow a pre-departure checklist.
- Be weather-wise.
- Use common sense.
- Know the nautical rules of the road.
- Designate an assistant skipper.
- Develop a float plan.
- Wear life jackets.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Skip swimming in a marina.
- Stay clear of the engine.
According to the Boat US Foundation: “Stressors, such as exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare, wind, and the motion of the water, affect boat operators and passengers, thus drinking while boating is even more dangerous than drinking and driving."
Research shows that hours of exposure to boating stressors produces a kind of fatigue or ‘boater’s hypnosis,’ which slows reaction time almost as much as if you were legally drunk. Adding alcohol or drugs to boating stress factors intensifies their affects. That’s why boaters should never drink when operating a boat. Every state has strict drinking and boating laws–you can be arrested on the water. Yes, you can get a BUI punishable using the same criteria as Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Summer Safety Campaign: Boating Safety
You also may be interested in...
Video
May 5, 2022
Follow these tips for a Safe Summer of Boating.
Infographic
May 5, 2022
Keep a good lookout and situational awareness of other boats and objects. Ensure crew and passengers wear a USCG approved personal floatation device. Operate at safe and legal speeds – watch your wake. Know and respect the weather – heed weather warnings. www.heatlh.mil/boatsafety
#SeasTheDaySafely; #EnjoyTheWaves; #KnowHowToFloatYourBoat; ...
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: August 04, 2023