The department is further cracking down on offenders through the special training of officers. People 12 and under will be required to have the certification card with them and be with an operator who is at least 21 years old. Raymond said this regulation will help cut down on accidents and will help ensure that trained individuals are operating motor boats. With new equipment, officers are able to obtain accurate blood alcohol content levels. If there is reason to believe guilt, the person is taken to another law enforcement office for further testing.
Penalties are similar to existing driving under the influence laws.
Raymond added that with boating, as with automobiles, a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent is legally intoxicated. When considering the legal consequences of drinking and boating or any other summer activities, also weigh the health risks of drinking mixed with the hot summer weather. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect. When the body temperature rises, the body perspires and the sweat evaporates to cool the body. Alcohol compounds this problem because of the dehydrating effect.