How does the effect of alcohol while boating compare to on land?

Alcohol can have a more dramatic effect on a boater than on someone on land. This is because:

* The motion of the boat can magnify the effects of alcohol. When you're on a boat, you're constantly moving up and down and side to side. This can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded, and it can also impair your balance and coordination.

* The sun's glare can make it difficult to see. When you're on a boat, you're often exposed to bright sunlight. This can make it difficult to see clearly, and it can also cause headaches and eye fatigue.

* The wind can make it difficult to hear. When you're on a boat, the wind can be very loud. This can make it difficult to communicate with others, and it can also make it difficult to hear warning signals.

* Alcohol can dehydrate you. When you're boating, you're exposed to the sun and the wind, which can both cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol also contributes to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of water while you're boating.

How Alcohol Can Impair Your Judgment

Alcohol can impair your judgment, which can lead to dangerous situations on the water. When you're boating under the influence of alcohol, you're more likely to:

* Make poor decisions. Alcohol can cloud your thinking and make it difficult to make sound judgments. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death.

* Take risks. Alcohol can make you feel more confident and less cautious. This can lead to taking risks that you wouldn't normally take, such as operating a boat at a high speed or in rough weather.

* Be aggressive. Alcohol can make you feel angry and aggressive. This can lead to arguments and fights, which can be dangerous on a boat.

Alcohol is a major contributing factor to boating accidents. In the United States, alcohol is involved in about one-third of all boating accidents. These accidents can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even death.

If you're planning to go boating, please don't drink alcohol. It's not worth the risk.