Conservation Corner: June 11, 2001

Drinking And Boating Don't Mix
by James L. Cummins

As the temperatures increase, so does our appetite to be on the water. The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation wants to raise awareness about safety and decrease the number of boating accidents.

Alcohol use has long been associated with boating. Enjoying the state's many waters is a great way to relax. With the usage of alcohol, the combined effects of sun, wind, waves, and boat motion tend to sneak up on you. Boaters become less aware of potentially serious boating problems such as speed, other boaters, wake and threatening changes in weather. Judgement is seriously affected.

Studies indicate that these combined conditions affect a boater's reflexes, coordination and overall awareness. Alcohol is involved in approximately 50 percent of fatalities nationwide. A recent study of boating fatalities showed that 51 percent of the fatalities had a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent or greater. Alcohol contents of 0.1 percent were found in 31 percent of the fatalities.

Peripheral vision, color perception and ability to focus suffer. Coordination and judgement also suffer. To alleviate this problem, have a designated driver. Keep alcohol consumption at a minimal or moderate level. Don't drink and drive a boat (or automobile). As the driver, you are also responsible for the conduct of your guests.

In addition to drinking and boating, the wearing of life jackets is another concern of Wildlife Mississippi. Over 80 percent of boating fatalities involve people not wearing life jackets. Tragically, 85 percent of them have life jackets on board but are not wearing them. Be sure that you keep the proper number of life jackets readily accessible in your boat and make certain any child under 13 is wearing one. Besides being a smart thing to do, it's the law.

The fact remains that very few people wear a life jacket especially when fishing from a boat. Excuses vary, but they are all poor - "I can't cast or paddle with it on," "it is too restrictive," or "it is too hot." The main reason for wearing a life jacket is clear. It is an insurance investment. You are protecting your life. But, correct fit and proper adjustment for the boater wearing it are imperative if the safety margin it offers is to be obtained. Know how to correctly wear a life jacket. Remember, a life jacket is no substitute for good swimming ability; it is merely an aid to maintain buoyancy.

So, avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, wear your life jacket, familiarize yourself with the area and potential underwater hazards, notify someone of your specific intentions, including how to contact you and your estimated time of return and stay alert of impending changes in weather conditions.

Check that motor, boat and trailer out and take a few precautions. Get a young person involved in fishing and boating. He or she needs to learn, too.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi