Video: Georgia BUI

Rob

Everybody knows you’re not supposed to drink and drive a car. Boating’s the same, though, right? I mean, what are the consequences, and what should people know?

Sergeant Mike Burgamy

Number one, we take boating under the influence very seriously, and we enforce it aggressively. If you’re under 21 and you’re .02 or higher, you’re considered under the influence. If you’re over 21 and .08 or higher, you are considered under the influence. There is no open container law out here on the lake. Passengers can actually have open containers of beverages. But if you’re going to be the operator, stay sober. Don’t drink.

Rob

Right. And the whole reason, I guess, for that is it’s kind of dangerous when you’re out on the water, right? And it’s just like driving a car or more dangerous, right?

Sergeant Burgamy

Yeah, actually in my eyes, it’s more dangerous. You think about driving a car, you have lanes of travel. You have traffic control devices to help govern you out there. Out here on the water, you don’t have any of that. You have 360 degrees of mobility. You have boats going in every which way direction. So ultimately, you as an operator, you have to have your head on a swivel, and you have to be alert at all times of your surroundings. When you drink, alcohol tends to dull that. And taking the waves and the sun, also that takes a toll on your body. Folks don’t think about that. So if you’re going to drink, make sure you’re not driving. Also, if you’re the owner of a boat, you cannot allow someone else to drive while under the influence. And furthermore, last, and most importantly, if you have children on the boat and they’re 14 years of age or under, you could be charged with a separate offense of DUI child endangerment. So bottom line is boat sober. If you’re going to drive, don’t drink.