Think Twice Before Boating Under the Influence

Summer is here.  The water on the Rogue River is calling.  Jason Schmidt says, "Especially on the weekend, when the weather is good, it can get popular."

So, if you get out your boat this weekend, June 26-28, remember the Josephine County Sheriff's office will be joining you on the water, checking to see if you're boating under the influence.

Schmidt says, "I think everyone thinks that to have a good time alcohol has to be involved."  To remember the rules, Deputy Schmidt says it's just like driving a car.  He says, "You have a .08 alcohol level and you can also be arrested for being below that level if you're under the influence."

And while feeling the wind in your hair at high speeds can be thrilling, wind and speed are a dangerous mix with alcohol.   

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 21% of boating deaths are alcohol related.  And if you're caught boating under the influence you could get fined more than $6,000.  You could also lose your boating privileges and/or be arrested and spend a year in jail.

Schmidt says, "Use alcohol in moderation, bring other fluid with you like water and keep yourself hydrated.  But we'd rather you just leave the alcohol at home.