Drinking and Boating Don’t Mix Memorial Day weekend is a favorite holiday for many. If you live near a beach or lake, you know where you plan on spending the long weekend. This holiday marks the beginning of the summer and is a popular time to get in the water with boats or jet skis. This might seem like innocent fun but it can be a dangerous time in the water, especially because so many people add alcohol to the mix. Danger on the Water So many people mix fun, sun, food and drinking during Memorial Day weekend. However, their celebrations can mean overindulging for some. You may think drunk driving doesn’t count on the water, but drunk boating can be even worse. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol was involved in 17 percent of all reported boating fatalities in 2012. Drinking, boats and jet skis are not the only dangerous mix. Simply being in the water while intoxicated is dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 70 percent of drowning deaths among adults and teens were linked to alcohol use. Even if you are a good swimmer, you are at greater risk of drowning when you have alcohol in your system. Alcohol affects your balance, coordination and judgment, all of which get worse when sun and heat are added to the mix.
Safety First
Having a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend doesn’t require a lot. Keeping basic water safety guidelines in mind helps you and others stay safe and alive. Holiday weekends mean increased patrols on the roads and waterways to remind you. Stepping Stone Center for Recovery wants you to have a safe holiday, remembered by positive experiences. If you know someone who always seems to take the holidays as a reason to drink too much, call our addiction specialists 24/7 to discuss options on treatment. Don’t let your loved one make a life-changing mistake. Call 866-957-4960.
