DNR Warns Hoosiers About Drinking And Boating

Authorities warn Hoosiers not to drink and boat this Labor Day weekend.

Capt. Jet Quillan with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources says heat can increase the danger.

“When you drink alcohol on a hot day; when you’re not drinking as much water, you become dehydrated, your decision making skills become affected," Quillen says. "Your balance, your reaction time becomes affected, that is a recipe for disaster on the water.” 

Quillen says the BAC level is .08, the same for motorists and there are consequences for violating the law.

“So it carries the same penalties as a misdemeanor," Quillen says. "You can be jailed on that, you can lose your driver’s license, for that type of violation.”

Quillen says the heat contributed to a slight increase in boating accidents this summer. He advises with the upcoming Labor Day holiday that boaters wear life jackets, designate a sober driver and have a safety plan in place.