A Spotlight on the Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign

Drinking and driving on land – a scenario we all take seriously, has taught us to designate drivers or opt for rideshare services to ensure safety. Yet, when it comes to the water, it’s unfortunate that the attitude shifts dramatically. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) has been the leading cause of fatal boating accidents for over two decades, yet these accidents are 100% preventable.

The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign aims to eliminate boating accidents related to alcohol by encouraging every boat to have a Sober Skipper at the helm who is in charge of the safe operation of their boat and the safety of all of the passengers in the boat.

Understanding the Risks

Despite clear laws against BUI in every state and territory, many boaters are unaware of the amplified risks posed by alcohol when combined with boating stressors like wind, noise, sun and vessel motion. Alcohol severely impairs judgment and coordination, effects that are even more pronounced on the water, and this combination frequently leads to severe and often fatal outcomes. However, ever since the Sober Skipper Campaign started in 2015, the number of BUI accidents and deaths have decreased. There were 108 deaths in 2014 and according to the latest U.S. Coast Guard report, the number of deaths attributed to alcohol use has dropped 26.9% to 79 deaths in 2023. The number of BUI accidents has decreased 23.8% from 277 in 2014 to 211 in 2023. This is thanks, in part, to the Sober Skipper Campaign. And the Sea Tow Foundation is committed to promoting this effort until all BUI accidents and deaths are eliminated.

Integrating Essential Safety Gear

Committing to having a Sober Skipper at the helm is crucial, but it must be paired with the right safety practices, such as wearing life jackets, using an engine cut-off lanyard, and equipping your boat with emergency signaling devices like EPIRBs or PLBs made by ACR. Being prepared and carrying the right equipment means that, if the unthinkable happens, you’ll be able to be quickly rescued in an emergency.

Take the Sober Skipper Pledge

The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign centers on a crucial, proactive decision: who will be the Sober Skipper before your boating trip? Taking the Sober Skipper Pledge commits the boat’s operator to remaining sober, taking full responsibility for the safe operation of the boat and looking after all of the passengers on board so that they stay safe. By making this promise, boaters actively contribute to the elimination of BUI nationwide. To help remember this pledge, the Sea Tow Foundation has free wristbands, floating keychains and other resources available in their online store that you can also use to help share the Sober Skipper message with others. Together, through dedication and vigilance, we can ensure that boating remains a safe and joyful experience for everyone.