If You Drink, Don't Boat

Isn't it amazing that people who would never, ever drink and drive will drink while they are out on the water? In fact, it's every bit as dangerous and illegal to mix alcohol and boating, and the Canadian Coast Guard put together this little quiz to see how much you know about it.

1. Passengers on board a vessel are permitted to consume alcohol while the vessel is underway. T F
2. The Criminal Code of Canada has different penalties for boating intoxicated than for drinking and driving. T F
3. You are permitted to consume beer on board a vessel as long as it is not in bottles. T F
4. The first offense for a conviction of impaired operation of a vessel is a $100 fine. T F
5. You may legally consume alcohol while boating if there are washroom facilities on board the vessel. T F
6. It is estimated that 20% of boating fatalities are alcohol-related. T F
7. Beer is less intoxicating than wine or liquor. T F

The police are responsible for enforcing the Canadian Criminal Code, which includes administering breathalyzers and laying charges if appropriate. Surveys show that over one-third of Canadian boaters consume alcohol every time they go boating; over two-thirds report consuming alcohol "sometimes" while boating.

SO WHEN IS ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PERMITTED?
. . . only in licensed premises or in a residence. In order for a boat to be considered a residence, the following conditions must be satisfied:
1. The vessel must be docked, moored or anchored;
2. The vessel must be equipped with facilities associated with a residence: a washroom, bed, kitchen.

To be safe...
1. Wait until the end of the boating day to start drinking;
2. Never allow anyone under the influence to operate your boat - remember that you are responsible.
3. Make non-alcoholic beverages available.

* The information for this column was condensed from Alcohol and Boating Safety, a pamphlet of the Canadian Coast Guard.