On the Water - Alcohol And Drugs
Just remember this simple rule:
Dont drink and boat!
The Georgia Boat Safety Act prohibits anyone from boating under
the influence (BUI) -- that is, operating any boat, sailboat,
personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard or similar device while
intoxicated.
It is also unlawful for the owner of a boat or PWC to allow
anyone else to operate their boat or PWC while that person is under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Georgia boating law states:
- It is illegal for those under the age of 21 years to operate a
boat or PWC if their blood alcohol level is 0.02 or more
- Those 21 years of age or older are considered to be under the
influence, and may not operate a boat or PWC, if their blood
alcohol level is 0.08 or more or if drugs are detected
The Georgia Boat Safety Act sets these penalties:
- Those arrested for boating under the influence may lose their
privilege to operate a boat or PWC until they successfully complete
a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program approved by the
Georgia Department of Human Resources. They will also be charged
with a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or prison
time up to one year
- By operating a boat or PWC on Georgia waters, you have
consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if requested by a law
enforcement official. If you refuse to be tested, you will lose
your privilege to operate a boat or PWC for up to one year and your
refusal may be offered into evidence against you at a trial
- A person found operating a boat or PWC under the influence
while a child under the age of 14 years is onboard, is also guilty
of the separate charge of endangering a child
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