Preventable Tragedy - Page 2

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Page 2

Apr 1, 1999

overboard into cold water hypothermia sets in quickly and this further reduces your decision-making abilities.

Dehydration sets in - As the sun beats down and the body naturally tries to cool itself by expelling perspiration to cool the skin, the body starts to get dehydrated. Drinking alcohol while dehydrated greatly enhances the rate at which the alcohol is absorbed.

Judgment is impaired - One of the things that drinking tends to do is to make you begin to lose your judgment. After a drink or two people tend to become relaxed and are more likely to perform dangerous acts that they might not normally do if not under the influence. Because their judgment is impaired they may not even realize they are doing something dangerous. This, combined with the other debilitating symptoms previously covered, spells disaster.

One-third of all boating fatalities are alcohol related. It is illegal to operate a boat, or to permit others to do so, while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or barbiturates. Penalties are severe and could include fines up to $5000, imprisonment of up to one year, non-paid public service work, and mandatory substance abuse counseling. If an operator under the influence kills or seriously injures another person the penalty can be up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5000