Tip #2 You’re already fatigued when you’re out on the water from exposure to sun, motion, and the noise and vibration of your boat’s engine. Alcohol impairs your ability further.

Myth or Fact?

Myth: Beer is less intoxicating than wine or distilled liquor.

Fact: One 12 oz. beer contains the same amount of alcohol as 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor.

Myth: A cold shower, coffee, physical activity or fresh air will sober you up,

Fact: Cold showers and coffee will only produce a clean, wide-awake drunk. Only your liver can detoxify alcohol and only time can sober you up.

Myth: A shot of brandy or whiskey will warm you up.

Fact: In moderate amounts, alcohol dilates the blood vessels close to the skin, giving a deceptive “glow” of warmth. In fact, the dilated blood vessels reduce your body’s ability to guard against heat loss.

Boating under the Influence (BUI) or Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is a serious offense and seriously affects boat handling - take our word for it. To learn more about the declining performance of a boat operator when exposed to alcohol, check out our Foundation Findings #32 “Alcohol and Boating: Drinking on Your Boat – It Really Does Matter.”