(Manassas, VA, Wednesday, June 23, 2021) – The Safe Boating Campaign, a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating, reminds boaters to boat sober this Fourth of July. Boating under the influence, or BUI, is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization for the annual Safe Boating Campaign, explains the importance of not boating under the influence.

SOUNDBITE #1:

THE JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY IS AROUND THE CORNER, AND UNFORTUNATELY IT HAS BECOME KNOWN FOR DRINKING AND BOATING – AND DEADLY ACCIDENTS. OPERATING A BOAT – OR EVEN BEING A PASSENGER – IS INCREDIBLY RISKY WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. DRUNKEN PASSENGERS CAN EASILY FALL OVERBOARD, SWIM NEAR THE PROPELLER, LEAN OVER THE SIDE, OR STAND UP IN SMALL BOATS CAUSING THE BOAT TO CAPSIZE. NEVER BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND ALWAYS DESIGNATE A SOBER SKIPPER.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IT’S EASY FOR BOATERS TO GET WHAT WE REFER TO AS VACATION BRAIN AND LET SAFETY TAKE THE BACK SEAT. REMEMBER ALWAYS WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKET, AND NEVER BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE. ALCOHOL IS THE TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS, AND WHEN YOU BOAT THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ARE MAGNIFIED IN THE SUN AND THE WATER. BE SURE TO ALWAYS DESIGNATE A SOBER SKIPPER.

For more tips to stay safe on the water this Fourth of July, please visit safeboatingcampaign.com.