Boater Fatigue Found to Triple Effects of Alcohol
With the 4th of July holiday weekend fast approaching, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) would like to remind boaters to be wary of “boater fatigue” while on the water. “Boater fatigue” is a phenomenon in which a combination of sun, wind, noise, vibration and boat motion can triple the effects of alcohol on boaters.
“Boater fatigue” can occur when a combination of the sun, wind and physical activity dehydrates the body. Mildly dehydrated people will absorb alcohol more quickly into their system and will have a higher blood alcohol content than non-dehydrated people. Nationally, more than 50 percent of all recreational boating fatalities involve alcohol use.
This phenomenon is not only a concern for boat operators, but passengers as well. Passengers may think they can drink alcohol and boat safely if they have a designated driver, but fatalities and injuries can occur when intoxicated passengers fall overboard or try to do recreational activities, like water skiing.
TWRA recommends that all boaters take a safe boating class and always wear a life jacket. Nine out of ten boating-related drownings involve a victim who was not wearing a life jacket. Remember – “It Floats, You Don’t”.