Press Release
Returning to Lakes Brings Reminder on Boating Safety - Texas Safety Network Warns That Boating While Intoxicated Can be as Dangerous As Drinking and Driving
PR Newswire for Journalists, [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- With sunshine in the weekend forecast
and flooding-related boating bans lifted from Central Texas lakes and
rivers, many Texans will return to one of their favorite summer activities
... boating. The Texas Safety Network is reminding everyone that 40 to 50
Texans will lose their lives in boating accidents this summer and half of
those deaths will be alcohol-related*. That's a sobering statistic!
The Texas Safety Network
(http://www.texassafetynetwork.org/), funded by
wine and distilled spirits wholesalers, is encouraging boaters on Texas
lakes, rivers and shorelines to use alcohol responsibly, and remember that
boating risks may be magnified by alcohol consumption.
A long day spent in the sun, wind and water can have a serious impact on
boating enthusiasts. "While we typically focus on the boat operator's use
of alcohol, many accidents happen when passengers who have been drinking
alcohol fall overboard," says Alan Gray, spokesperson for the Texas Safety
Network. "If the person becomes disoriented in the water, it could result in
drowning."
As with automobile drivers, any boat operator in Texas who appears to be
under the influence of alcohol or has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or
greater may be arrested. The charge of boating while intoxicated carries
penalties similar to those enforced for driving while intoxicated. The
first offense is a class B misdemeanor and may result in a jail sentence of
180 days, a $2,000 fine, or more.
When boating:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Lookout for personal watercraft and swimmers.
- Monitor weather conditions closely.
- Observe all speed limits and adjust speed as boat congestion and
traffic dictates.
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