Alcohol-influenced recreational boat operation in the United States, 1994

Background: There were 183 recreational boating fatalities in the United St ates in 1994. One contributor to this toll is alcohol-influenced operation of boats. Our study objective was to determine the prevalence of alcohol-in fluenced motor boat operation, and describe its relationship to demographic factors and other risk behaviors. Methods: In 1994, a randomly dialed national telephone survey contacted 523 8 adult respondents who reported on their operation of motor boats, alcohol use, and other potential injury risk behaviors. Data were weighted to obta in national estimates and percentages. Results: Of 597 respondents who operated a motor boat in 1994, 31% (206 res pondents) reported doing so at least once while alcohol-influenced. Alcohol -influenced operation of a motor boat was significantly more likely among m ales, individuals between 25 and 34 years of age, and those with greater th an a college education. Alcohol-influenced motor boat operation was also mo re common among those who drove motor vehicles while alcohol-influenced, an d those who drove a motor vehicle without using a seat belt. Conclusions: To decrease alcohol-influenced boating, new strategies should be developed. Strategies used to decrease drinking and driving motor vehicl es may prove adaptable to preventing alcohol-influenced boating. More effec tive means of monitoring alcohol-influenced boating is needed. Alcohol use by passengers on boats should not be overlooked as a problem. (C) 1999 Amer ican Journal of Preventive Medicine.