Boating safety improved in the United States throughout the 1990s. However, boating-related deaths continue to occur. Boaters routinely should adopt safety practices. Boaters should avoid alcoholic beverages while boating.
Alcohol use affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination.
Approximately one third of all deaths caused by a collision involved alcohol use. To avoid CO poisoning, boaters should have sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors. Boaters should be aware of potential hazards and the regulations of operating a boat. Boating education courses teach the regulatory and statutory rules for safely operating and navigating recreational boats. Volunteers check safety equipment and provide information about equipment purpose, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.