Designate a skipper

[Kevin]

Designate a skipper
Copyright HoosierTimes

A story in Monday’s newspaper highlighted an issue that arises on Lake Monroe and other area waterways every summer: drinking and boating.

It’s no secret that alcohol is consumed by people who like to go boating to beat the heat. Done responsibly, it can be a reasonable part of the summer experience.

But on occasion, the person responsible for driving the boat has had more than enough alcohol to be beyond the legal limit of intoxication. Conservation officers patrolling the lake look for some telltale signs of drunken boating, and stop people if they see dangerous behavior.

The same kind of impairment that can make drinking and driving dangerous can cause serious problems on waterways. The New York Times on Monday included a story about two recent alcohol-related deaths caused by boaters.

As with having a designated driver, it’s a good idea to have a designated skipper who doesn’t drink alcohol while out for a day of boating. That precaution would make lake activities safer for everyone.


Please Don't Drink and Drive.