The Free Press
August 25, 2008 03:40 pm
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There has been much recent attention to underage drinking and an ongoing focus on reducing drunken driving. But in this land of lakes, the issue of drinking and boating needs to be faced more directly.
The Hennepin County Water Patrol announced recently it had hit a record for drunken boating arrests and officers said they are seeing more alcohol-fueled drivers in boats.
Anyone who’s been to a popular lake — such as Lake Washington or Madison Lake — on a weekend know they are a blur of activity as high-speed boats, jet skis, smaller boats and skiers and tubers share the waters.
They also know that not only do many drivers have a drink in hand, but but some of those same drivers are often in control of massive, powerful boats.
The dangers are obvious, from crashes to people being thrown from a boat. In fact, most drownings in the state occur form someone being unexpectedly tossed from a boat.
Many people enjoy a few cold beers as they spend a lazy afternoon fishing or just enjoying the lake.
Unfortunately, the irresponsible actions of some could lead to a hard-line approach to alcohol and boating.
Too many people view driving a boat drunk as fundamentally different than climbing behind the wheel of a car drunk. But drunk driving is as serious in a boat as a car.
With the Labor Day weekend approaching it’s a good time for anyone on the lake to refocus attention on preventing drunken boating. The designated driver rule is as important in a boat as in a car. If you’re in charge of operating a boat, drink responsibly. If someone else has had too much, don’t let them drive.
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