RELATIONSHIP OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND RECREATIONAL BOATING IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, NORTH-CAROLINA

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between alco hol use and recreational boating activities. Two hundred eleven (n = 2 11) boaters were surveyed at three boating access locations in Beaufor t County, North Carolina. The survey questionnaire consisted of fiftee n questions designed to obtain information on boat operators and their use of alcoholic beverages while engaging in boating activities. Prev alence and amount of alcohol use while boating were significantly asso ciated (p < .05) with the type of activity engaged in. Among those boa ters who had received some type of boating safety education, a higher prevalence of alcohol use while boating was observed. The prevalence a nd amount of alcohol use while boating were found to be significantly (p < .05) associated with the location (public versus private) of boat ing access. In light of the findings, it is apparent that boating alco hol education and legislation for the North Carolina boating populatio n need assessment and revision. The implications of the findings could have far-reaching effects upon education and prevention among the rec reational boating population, particularly if further research in this are supports these findings.