Boating under the influence (BUI) is dangerous on many fronts

On Behalf of | Oct 23, 2020 | Offshore accidents

When operating any type of motor vehicle or boat, it’s critical that you’re 100% sober. This allows you to make the best possible decisions when confronted with any surprises without hesitation or delays. 

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of consuming alcohol while operating a car or boat. Boating is a fun activity. For that reason, it’s common to add alcohol to the mix. While this is okay for passengers, as long as it’s legal, the same can’t be said for the person operating the boat.

Adding to your challenges on the water when you’re driving a boat is the fact that you can’t control other boaters. You may be sober, but another person could be impaired. Here are some signs that a boater may be under the influence:

  • Reckless behavior: This takes on many forms, such as speeding, neglecting to slow down for other vessels and hooting and hollering. 
  • Aggression: If another boater becomes aggressive, such as by yelling at you or coming extremely close to your boat, it may be because they’re under the influence.
  • Lack of safety measures: There’s no lack of safety measures that boaters must abide by. This includes things such as wearing life jackets, avoiding high speeds around others and never jumping from a moving boat.

If you’re involved in a boating accident as the result of another person’s intoxication, turn your immediate focus to getting to land and obtaining medical treatment.

With this approach, you’ll gain a better understanding of your injuries and prognosis for making a full recovery. Depending on the circumstances, you may find yourself in a position to take legal action against the intoxicated boater.