Research Projects
Alcohol Use in Rhode Island Boaters
Researchers: Michael Mello, MD,
MPH; Ted Nirenberg, PhD; Andrew Nathanson, MD; Amy Rosenthal, MPA,
and Lynn Sweeney
Supported by funding from the University Emergency Medicine Foundation,
this study examined the role of alcohol in boating in Rhode Island.
A survey of 1,000 registered Rhode Island boat owners found that
33 percent of boat operators and 44 percent of boat passengers consumed
alcohol while boating during the month the survey was conducted.
Given that exposure to environmental stresses causes a fatigue called
"boater's hypnosis" and that alcohol impairs the senses,
it is likely that the combination creates even more danger.
Although most states have laws about boating while under the influence
of alcohol, these are not well known to boaters. Only 20 states
require boating safety education prior to operating a boat, with
those programs generally addressing the alcohol use of boat operators,
not passengers.
This study demonstrates the need for better education and enforcement
of the laws on and dangers of boating and alcohol use—for both
boat operators and passengers.
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