| To some people, the term "recreational boating" | | | | also a risk. People who have had too much to drink |
| seems like an oxymoron of sorts. After all, why | | | | tend to be unsteady on their feet. Add to that |
| else would you go boating? There are people who | | | | equation the fact that you are on a body of water |
| make their living boating whether it's participating in | | | | that is unsteady as well, and you could very well |
| regattas or speed boat racing. Most people | | | | have a "man overboard" scenario. |
| however use their boats for recreational purposes | | | | It's best to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum |
| only. | | | | while on the water. If you must drink, do so in |
| Recreational boating is exactly what it sounds like - | | | | moderation and be aware of how impaired you are |
| using a boat for having fun. You can do so many | | | | before a problem occurs. |
| things with a boat, and all of them are fun depending | | | | Mind the rules of the "road" when boating and expect |
| on who you are and what you like. You can fish, | | | | others to be doing the same. Accidents are |
| swim, water ski, tube, or just relax and enjoy the | | | | dramatically reduced when people obey the unwritten |
| water. | | | | (and written) rules that the United States Coast |
| Millions of people enjoy recreational boating. | | | | Guard has set forth. Be considerate of others and |
| Statistics say that on average one in every six | | | | you will greatly enjoy your boating excursion |
| households in the United States own a boat. An | | | | Recreational boating also means being considerate of |
| even larger number take advantage of rental | | | | others on the same body of water. One of the |
| opportunities renting a watercraft to enjoy a day on | | | | best parts of boating is tying up in a cove and |
| the water. | | | | meeting new people. Keep in mind basic rules of |
| Of course, one of the biggest parts of recreational | | | | courtesy and treat others like you would want to be |
| boating has to be knowing how to do it safely. For | | | | treated. You'll be surprised at how many wonderful |
| many people, an ideal day on the water includes a | | | | friends you can make on the lake! |
| few cocktails, or actually more than a few. It is | | | | Recreational boating is one of the most enjoyable |
| possible to actually get a BUI (boating while | | | | activities you can undertake. Take a few steps to |
| intoxicated) ticket, and accidents are much more | | | | know what you are doing and then enjoy it to the |
| likely to happen when the driver of a boat is impaired | | | | fullest. You will find more recreational activities while |
| by alcohol. | | | | boating that you can participate in even in your older |
| For passengers who are consuming alcohol, there is | | | | years. |