Boating Accidents - Regal 53 SC Owner's Manual

ALCOHOL MYTHS AND FACTS
Myth: Beer is less intoxicating than other alcoholic
beverages.
Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer has about the same amount
of alcohol as a 5oz. glass of wine or a shot of liquor.
Myth: Black coffee, fresh air, and a shower will sober the
effects of alcohol.
Fact: After consuming alcohol time is the only thing that
will sober you up. Our bodies average burning 1 oz. of
alcohol every hour. If a person is drunk, it will take a
person seven or more hours to sober up.
Myth: Telling if a person is too drunk to operate a vessel
is easy.
Fact: Many experienced drinkers have learned to
compensate for the visual effects of alcohol and can
disguise their drunk condition.
Myth: You can judge if you are fi t to operate a boat.
Fact: Judgement is one of the fi rst elements you lose
when drinking.

BOATING ACCIDENTS

The following is a list of common
causes of boating accidents. Be aware
of them and take the necessary steps
to ensure that yourself and crew are
educated and prepared to act in an
emergency.
1. Mixing boating and alcohol. Remember, the skipper is
responsible for his crew, passengers and vessel.
2. Trying to reach the bow by the deck walk-around at
unsafe speeds. Use the center walk-through.
3. Someone sitting on the bow, deck, or swim platform
while underway.
4. Choosing a boating outing day with inclement weather,
especially in high winds and thunderstorms in the forecast
or staying out when bad weather is approaching.
5. Disembarking without checking all the fl uids or systems,
and especially fuel system components.
6. Not monitoring the boating traffic or possible
obstructions around you.
7. Emergency communications equipment, signaling
devices, and navigation lights not working.
8. Improper boat handling especially high speed turns in
rough water. Using trim improperly.
9. Being too far from shore with inadequate fuel supply
or navigational aids.
10. Passengers, especially children that are not wearing the
proper life saving devices.
11. Skipper or passengers not seated in the boat.
18
Chapter 2