Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water

[You Are Guilty]

Oh, I love it. It's got drama, intrigue, and a cameo by "MADD" itself! I can hear the drunks' panties bunching up already.

DRUNKEN SAILORS, BEWARE
State boating law to curb water accidents in effect

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A law sponsored by two Long Island legislators that imposes the same stiff penalties for drunken boating as for drunken driving went into effect yesterday.

Supporters of the bill passed by the Legislature in June and signed into law in July by Gov. Pataki note that 28% of fatal boating accidents involved alcohol in 2004, the latest year for which statistics are available.

"Boating while intoxicated is at least as dangerous as driving while intoxicated because the sun increases the effects of alcohol," stated Denna Cohen, the president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving on Long Island.

Under the new law, a first conviction for boating while intoxicated would be a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to a year in jail, instead of 90 days in years past.

The fine would also increase to a maximum of $1,000 from $500.

A second conviction in 10 years would be a Class E felony, carrying up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A third conviction in 10 years would be a Class D felony with a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The maximum fine for boating while ability impaired will rise to $500 from $350. A second conviction in five years would carry a fine of up to $750 and 30 days in jail.

"Boating while intoxicated is not a harmless activity, and now it will be treated in the serious manner it needs to be," said state Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport), who co-sponsored the bill.

"This law will give marine law enforcement and prosecutors the necessary tools to maintain an aggressive posture against BWI and BWAI violators," said Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck), who also sponsored the measure.

Originally published on August 7, 2006

[url]http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/story/441297p-371755c.html[/url]

[SillyPuddy]

Great. This will attack the 28% of boating fatalities due to alchohol. Is there anything being done about addressing the other 72% of fatalities due to other causes??

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by SillyPuddy

Great. This will attack the 28% of boating fatalities due to alchohol. Is there anything being done about addressing the other 72% of fatalities due to other causes??

That sounds like an opportunity ... go for it! Raise our awareness and cover the other 72%!

I suspect the other 72% are largely idiots speeding their boats over people, crashes in shallows and capsizing, etc. In my county we have more people being idiots and getting their boats overturned on the rivers then we do being involved in fatal boating collisions. We had a fatal double drowning in a lake last year, as I recall, and that one DID involve alcohol and dummies falling overboard.

In any event, it is already unlawful to drive a boat DUI in my state.

- Carl

[SillyPuddy]

There needs to be a new law. DUBI (Driving Under The Influence Of Being An Idiot).

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by SillyPuddy

There needs to be a new law. DUBI (Driving Under The Influence Of Being An Idiot).

Now we need a Field Idiot Test ...

- Carl

[BigMistakeFl]

I used to have a boat, got rid of it because other boaters were too dangerous. I took the time to take the Coast Guard safe boating class, but it's not required. In fact, no license is required to operate a boat. Any fool can walk into a boat yard, purchase a boat, and they'll gladly help you shove off. Lots of idiots, lots of drinking on boats. Here in Fl, the intracoastal waterways are jammed with boats on weekends. We just decided it wasn't fun dodging others. And boats have no brakes!

[CdwJava]

We have a navigable river near here, and boating is a popular event there ... and at times of the year you can add the innertubing with the itinerant drunken college students and floating beer kegs and cans.

The lakes here are much nicer.

I don't own a boat out of expense - and a lack of a vehicle to haul it.

- Carl