Summertime water activities--boating, fishing, and swimming--can quickly become fatal when alcohol is added to the mix.

Alcohol is involved in about 49 percent of drowning deaths. In fact, about one-half of all accidents and fatalities occurring on the water result from alcohol use, says Dr. Michael Mello, spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Boating accidents are a big part of the problem. Each year they kill an average of 714 people. These deaths are due to two major safety failures: uneducated boaters and lack of a required life jacket.

"Drinking while on the water also heightens the risk of dehydration, and especially when combined with the stresses of sun exposure, boat vibrations, engine noise, and constant motion," Mello says. "Alcohol impairs a boater's balance, vision, reaction time, and decision-making skills."

These factors make collisions the most common form of boating accident. However, capsizing and falls overboard account for the most boating fatalities.

Anyone who wants to drive an automobile must demonstrate knowledge of traffic laws and ability to operate a car. But not so with boats. Owners of recreational boats are not always required to pass safety tests or take a boating safety course.

And while boating under the influence of alcohol (BUI) is outlawed in all 50 states, there is no "open container" law for boats.

"It's not illegal to have a beer by your side and operate a boat," says Tim Smalley, boating safety specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "It's just when you get to that point of impairment that the magic dial clicks over to risky."

Impairment for boaters occurs at about .035 BAC, or slightly less than two drinks within one hour for most people. All states have boating-under-the-influence laws, with legal limit blood alcohol concentration levels ranging from .01 to .10. Sixteen states have a zero tolerance level for minors.

"People think they're safe when they're on a boat--when they're anchored fishing or putting along with a little trolling motor," Smalley says. "Actually, that's the time when fatal boating accidents happen, and alcohol can be the cause."

Taking a cue from the literature on driving safety, some people appoint a "designated boater"--a non-drinker--to operate the watercraft. But even passengers who drink increase their risk of drowning. Intoxication makes it more likely that they'll capsize a rowboat or fall over the side of a motorboat.

This is a moment of danger. "Alcohol can reset your body's thermostat so that water seems colder," Smalley adds. "And, the torso reflex--an involuntary gasp--occurs when you hit cold water. When this happens, you can aspirate water into your lungs and drown. The torso reflex is more likely to happen when you've been drinking."

Water activities are safest when you're sober. Use the following strategies:

1. Learn to swim. Check with your local office of the American Red Cross for swimming courses. In addition, always swim with a buddy. Avoid solo outings.
2. Wear a life jacket. Boat operators and all passengers should wear personal flotation devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. This applies to swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
3. Stay free of alcohol and other drugs. There is no "safe" amount of alcohol to consume before swimming, fishing or boating. In fact, you can become impaired more quickly than usual due to heat and fatigue.
4. Take a boating safety course. These are offered by several organizations. The U.S. Coast Guard has information online.
5. Create and share your "float plan." Before going out on the water, find someone on shore to act as an emergency contact. Tell this person where you'll be and how long you'll be gone.
6. Serve alcohol after your time on the water. Responsible alcohol use can still be part of your recreation plans. Just wait until you're off the water for the day. Plan to party on-shore at your cabin, boating club, or back yard. Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks as well.

--Published May 14, 2007