Abstract
Background
Alcohol is the leading contributor to boating deaths. Earlier literature estimates
that 30−40% of people drink alcohol while boating.
Objective
The objective of this study was to directly approach boaters at the dock to assess
the prevalence of alcohol consumption while boating, as well as their knowledge of
alcohol impairment.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of boaters aged 21 years
and older at Illinois lakes and rivers during July 2011. Participants completed a
survey of alcohol use and impaired boating knowledge consisting of six multiple-choice
questions. A χ2 analysis was used to assess knowledge differences by demographic variables.
Results
Two hundred and ten people participated. Less than one fourth of participants correctly
answered 4 of the 5 knowledge questions. Eighty-four percent correctly reported the
watercraft blood alcohol legal limit. Eighty-one percent erroneously believed that
it was more dangerous for the driver to be intoxicated than the passenger. There were
no differences in knowledge by sex, education, boat ownership, or driver status. Seventy-six
percent admitted to drinking alcohol while boating. Younger participants (aged 21
to 40 years) were significantly more likely to report drinking while boating compared
with older participants (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
A majority of participants imbibe while boating and with only a rudimentary understanding
of the dangers. Designated drivers (for boating) campaigns might falsely imply imbibing-passenger
safety. Public health officials should readdress the dangers of passenger drinking,
especially with the younger age group, to help decrease alcohol-related morbidity
and mortality.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 21, 2014
Accepted:
August 20,
2013
Received in revised form:
June 20,
2013
Received:
March 13,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
