BOATING ALCOHOL FATIGUE

Boaters Fatigue

There is nothing in this world more enjoyable than a cold beer on a hot day with the fish biting whilst messing about in boats.

After a day out on the water in the sun, wind and glare, combined with the motion of the boat, it’s easy to suffer from what’s known as “boater fatigue” – a well-documented phenomenon where your judgement becomes impaired and your reaction time slower. Your safety can be compromised in this state and you, your crew and passengers are more at risk of accidents and drowning.

Signs of Boater Fatigue:-

• General feeling of weariness with tired, often bloodshot, eyes
• Yawning
• Poor concentration
• Feeling intoxicated – even if you haven’t been drinking alcohol.
• Not thinking clearly
• Slower reaction time

Throw alcohol into this mix and you could have greater potential for risk without even realising it. Alcohol exaggerates the effect of boater fatigue and whilst the condition is difficult to avoid completely, acknowledging the symptoms, drinking plenty of water, giving your self bigger safety margins and reducing or, better still, avoiding alcohol consumption helps.

If you feel the symptoms or see the signs in others, take the above safety measures and avoid further risk – slow down, drop anchor for a while, go ashore or let someone else take the helm.

SkippersMate has recently started stocking and selling  breathalysers. Consider taking one aboard if you know that you or your passengers will be drinking. Keeping under the legal limit not only helps you stay safer on the water but when you get back on land too. The same limits apply when skippering your boat as they do when driving your car. Lose your boat licence for being over the limit and you could also lose your driver’s licence. 

The penalties are harsh so drink in moderation.