Mixing alcohol and boating is unsafe. Not only is it illegal, but the lessening of one's sense of judgment and balance can have lethal consequences. While alcohol does not appear to be present in most accidents, it does have a high rate of occurrence in fatal incidents. There is no single answer to reducing either fatalities or collisions, although a little common sense and consideration of other boaters would be a good start. Boating education classes help, but boaters have to be willing to apply what they've learned.
Tougher laws help by removing some of the more obviously dangerous boaters from our waterways.
But marine law enforcement is limited in its ability to cover all waters at all times. It is an extremely taxing, hazardous duty, and some violators will most likely elude them, much as they do on our roadways. Education and enforcement must be combined, and supplemented by fair, enforceable laws. If there was a death, disappearance or injury, you must immediately report it to the police, and then report it to Parks within 48 hours. If there was only damage, you must report it to Parks within 5 days.