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S4, June 22nd, 2024 The question of "Can you legally drink a beer on a boat in North Carolina"? Host of the Carolina Outdoors, Bill Bartee, answers it. Listen in to learn what the rules are & what you may need this summer when out on an area lake.Show Highlights: In North Carolina, the rules and regulations regarding drinking alcohol, including beer, on a boat are designed to ensure safety on the water. These laws align closely with the principles of operating any vehicle under the influence but include specifics relevant to maritime activities. Legal Framework and Enforcement Alcohol Consumption on Boats: It is legal to have and consume alcohol on a boat in North Carolina. Passengers are permitted to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages while the boat is in operation. However, there are strict rules for the person operating the boat. The operator must remain sober and within the legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Similar to driving a car, operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal. The legal BAC limit for boat operators is 0.08%. If an operator is found to be at or above this limit, they can be charged with BUI. Penalties for BUI can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of boating privileges. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat offense. Safety Considerations and Requirements Safety Equipment: Boats must carry certain safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and visual distress signals. Having alcohol on board does not change these requirements. It is essential for boaters to ensure that all safety equipment is readily accessible and in good working condition. Sobriety of Operator: The boat operator must maintain a clear head and ensure they are capable of operating the boat safely. This includes not only adhering to the BAC limit but also being vigilant and attentive to changing conditions on the water. The presence of alcohol on board increases the responsibility of the operator to manage the conduct of passengers and ensure that no one's behavior jeopardizes safety. Law Enforcement and Checks Random Checks and Testing: Law enforcement officers, such as those from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, have the authority to stop and check boats on the water. During these checks, officers can conduct sobriety tests on the operator if there is suspicion of alcohol impairment. Consequences of BUI: The consequences of being caught boating under the influence can be severe. First-time offenders might face fines, community service, mandatory boating safety courses, and jail time. Repeat offenders or those involved in accidents while under the influence can face harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. Practical Advice Designate a Sober Operator: It is wise to designate a sober boat operator before heading out on the water. This person should abstain from drinking alcohol and be responsible for the boat's operation throughout the trip. Consumption Limits: Passengers should consume alcohol responsibly to avoid any dangerous behavior that could lead to accidents or fall overboard situations. Awareness and Education: Boaters should educate themselves on the local boating laws and safety practices. Participating in boating safety courses can be beneficial. Conclusion While it is legal to drink beer and other alcoholic beverages on a boat in North Carolina, strict rules govern the operator's sobriety to ensure safety on the water. Violations of these rules can result in serious legal consequences and endanger everyone on board. Therefore, responsible consumption and adherence to safety regulations are crucial for a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
In a previous episode, we explored depositions and audio evidence from the 2019 boat crash in which the recently murdered Paul Murdaugh was eventually charged with Boating Under the Influence and causing the death of 19 year old Mallory Beach. While there are a number of victims connected to this saga, we want to remind everyone that Mallory Beach was a bright young lady who lit up every room she walked into. On this 5th episode of the Murdough Murders Podcast, we look at newly released evidence from SCDNR and other agencies we expose what went wrong in that investigation to ensure law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to achieve justice for all the victims connected to this saga. Thank you to Haskins & Co for sponsoring this episode. Haskins & Company helps law firms grow online. Learn more at Haskins.co. And a special thank you to the Bannon Law Group for supporting our mission. From the big house to your dream house, the Bannon Law Group has got you covered. BannonLawGroup.com This episode of Murdaugh Murders Podcast discusses horrific community tragedies. Hopeful Horizons creates safer communities by changing the culture of violence and offering a path to healing. If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence please go to hopefulhorizons.org to learn more about their mission. Support Our Podcast at: https://murdaughmurderspodcast.com/support-the-show Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murdaugh-murders-podcast/id1573560247 For current and accurate updates: Twitter.com/mandymatney This podcast is produced and developed by Luna Shark Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a previous episode, we explored depositions and audio evidence from the 2019 boat crash in which the recently murdered Paul Murdaugh was eventually charged with Boating Under the Influence and causing the death of 19 year old Mallory Beach. While there are a number of victims connected to this saga, we want to remind everyone that Mallory Beach was a bright young lady who lit up every room she walked into. On this 5th episode of the Murdough Murders Podcast, we look at newly released evidence from SCDNR and other agencies we expose what went wrong in that investigation to ensure law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to achieve justice for all the victims connected to this saga. Thank you to Haskins & Co for sponsoring this episode. Haskins & Company helps law firms grow online. Learn more at Haskins.co. And a special thank you to the Bannon Law Group for supporting our mission. From the big house to your dream house, the Bannon Law Group has got you covered. BannonLawGroup.com This episode of Murdaugh Murders Podcast discusses horrific community tragedies. Hopeful Horizons creates safer communities by changing the culture of violence and offering a path to healing. If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence please go to hopefulhorizons.org to learn more about their mission. Support Our Podcast at: https://murdaughmurderspodcast.com/support-the-show Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murdaugh-murders-podcast/id1573560247 Support the Reporting: https://www.fitsnews.com/fitsnews-subscription-options For current and accurate updates: Fitsnews.com or Twitter.com/mandymatney This podcast is produced and developed by Bernays Incorporated - Marketing Solutions To Improve Our World. Learn more at Bernaysinc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CLICK HERE to listen to episode audio (4:18). Sections below are the following:Transcript of AudioAudio Notes and AcknowledgmentsImageSourcesRelated Water Radio EpisodesFor Virginia Teachers (Relevant SOLs, etc.). Unless otherwise noted, all Web addresses mentioned were functional as of 7-2-21. TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO From the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, this is Virginia Water Radio for the week of July 5, 2021. This revised episode from June 2015 highlights a nationwide boating safety initiative held over the July 4 weekend. MUSIC – ~11 sec – instrumental That's part of “Dirty Sea,” by the Charlottesville and Nelson County, Va.-based band Chamomile and Whiskey. This week, musical imagery from the song sets the stage for one of the most serious water subjects: boating under the influence of alcohol. Have a listen for about 35 more seconds. MUSIC - ~36 sec – Lyrics: “Real dirty sea, let me free; don't wanna die underneath them waves; oh blue and white, unbreak the night, hiding well those sailors' graves.” According to U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents where a cause is known, contributing to about 18 percent of such fatalities nationwide in 2020. Alcohol's bad for boating for many reasons: it can impair balance and coordination, slow reaction time, affect judgement, increase fatigue and the effects of cold-water immersion, and decrease one's ability to swim. Judgment, reaction, and coordination obviously important for boat operators, but they also help boat passengers, such as in making the crucial, good decision to wear a life jacket, and in reducing the chances of falling overboard. For all of these reasons, Operation Dry Water exists. Coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, Operation Dry Water is a year-round, nationwide effort of boater education and law enforcement to reduce Boating Under the Influence—or BUI. Each summer on the weekend before July 4th, Operation Dry Water coordinates a special BUI focus by law-enforcement agencies. So this year from July 2 through July 4, state, local, and Coast Guard officers increased patrolling for BUI, with a focus on “detecting impaired boaters and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence.” Here's to sober boating and to safety in other water activities, on July 4 and all year round. Thanks to Chamomile and Whiskey for permission to use this week's music, and we close with about 25 more seconds of “Dirty Sea.” CLOSING MUSIC – ~25 sec – instrumental SHIP'S BELL Virginia Water Radio is produced by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, part of Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment. For more Virginia water sounds, music, or information, visit us online at virginiawaterradio.org, or call the Water Center at (540) 231-5624. Thanks to Stewart Scales for his banjo version of Cripple Creek to open and close this show. In Blacksburg, I'm Alan Raflo, thanking you for listening, and wishing you health, wisdom, and good water. AUDIO NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Virginia Water Radio episode revises and replaces Episode 270, 6-15-15. “Dirty Sea,” from the 2013 album “Wandering Boots,” is copyright by Chamomile and Whiskey and by County Wide Records, used with permission of Chamomile and Whiskey. More information about Chamomile and Whiskey is available online at http://www.chamomileandwhiskey.com/, and information about Charlottesville-based County Wide Records is available online at http://countywidemusic.worldsecuresystems.com/. This music was used previously by Virginia Water Radio most recently in Episode 370, 5-29-17, on Safe Boating Week in 2017. Click here if you'd like to hear the full version (1 min./11 sec.) of the “Cripple Creek” arrangement/performance by Stewart Scales that opens and closes this episode. More information about Mr. Scales and the group New Standard, with which Mr. Scales plays, is available online at http://newstandardbluegrass.com. IMAGE Promotional poster for Operation Dry Water provided by the National Association of State Boating Administrators, accessed online at https://www.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/outreach/outreach-materials. SOURCES Used for Audio National Association of State Boating Law Administrators:“About BUI,” online at https://www.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/boaters/about-bui;“Operation Dry Water,” online at https://community.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/home;“Operation Dry Water Newsletter,” online at https://community.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/resources/newsletter(a June 17, 2021, national press release at this site is the source for the quote in the audio).“Operation Dry Water Outreach Talking Points,” online at https://community.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/outreach/outreach-materials. National Safe Boating Council, “Boat Sober This Fourth of July—From the Safe Boating Campaign,” June 28, 2021, online at https://safeboatingcampaign.com/news/boat-sober-this-fourth-of-july-from-the-safe-boating-campaign/. U.S. Coast Guard/Boating Safety Division, online at http://www.uscgboating.org/. The Coast Guard's “2020 Boating Recreational Statistics” report is online (as a PDF) at https://uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2020.pdf. For More Information about Boating Safety National Safe Boating Council, online at https://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly Department of Game and Inland Fisheries): “Boating,” online at https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/;“Boating Safety and Education,” online at https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/boating-safety/. Virginia Marine Resources Commission, “Boating Safety,” online at http://mrc.virginia.gov/mp/boating_safety.shtm. RELATED VIRGINIA WATER RADIO EPISODES All Water Radio episodes are listed by category at the Index link above (http://www.virginiawaterradio.org/p/index.html). See particularly the “Recreation” subject category. Following are links to other episodes on boating safety and dock safety. Boating safety – Episode 370, 5-29-17 (Safe Boating Week in 2017; this episode also features “Dirty Sea” by Chamomile and Whiskey).Dock safety – Episode 131, 10-8-12. FOR VIRGINIA TEACHERS – RELATED STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOLs) AND OTHER INFORMATION Following are some Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) that may be supported by this episode's audio/transcript, sources, or other information included in this post. 2020 Music SOLs SOLs at various grade levels that call for “examining the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.” 2015 Social Studies SOLs Virginia Studies CourseVS.10 – Knowledge of government, geography, and economics in present-day Virginia. Civics and Economics CourseCE.3 – Citizenship rights, duties, and responsibilities.CE.7 – Government at the state level.CE.8 – Government at the local level.CE.10 – Public policy at local, state, and national levels. World Geography CourseWG.18 – Cooperation among political jurisdictions to solve problems and settle disputes. Government CourseGOVT.8 – State and local government organization and powers.GOVT.9 – Public policy process at local, state, and national levels.Virginia's SOLs are available from the Virginia Department of Education, online at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/. Following are links to Water Radio episodes (various topics) designed especially for certain K-12 grade levels. Episode 250, 1-26-15 – on boiling, for kindergarten through 3rdgrade. Episode 255, 3-2-15 – on density, for 5th and 6th grade. Episode 282, 9-21-15 – on living vs. non-living, for kindergarten. Episode 309, 3-28-16 – on temperature regulation in animals, for kindergarten through 12th grade. Episode 333, 9-12-16 – on dissolved gases, especially dissolved oxygen in aquatic habitats, for 5thgrade. Episode 403, 1-15-18 – on freezing and ice, for kindergarten through 3rd grade. Episode 404, 1-22-18 – on ice on ponds and lakes, for 4ththrough 8th grade. Episode 406, 2-5-18 – on ice on rivers, for middle school. Episode 407, 2-12-18 – on snow chemistry and physics, for high school. Episode 483, 7-29-19 – on buoyancy and drag, for middle school and high school. Episode 524, 5-11-20 – on sounds by water-related animals, for elementary school through high school. Episode 531, 6-29-20 – on various ways that animals get water, for 3rd and 4th grade. Episode 539, 8-24-20 – on basic numbers and facts about Virginia's water resources, for 4th and 6th grade.
In this final episode of the series, Alex Otte shares one of the key findings from the Boating Under the Influence Report and Dashboard. Research shows that the compounding risk of alcohol consumption in an on-water environment indicates that a person is more impaired on a boat than they would be on land with the same amount of alcohol in the same amount of time. The increased risk is present for everyone on a vessel, regardless of what their role is. People who are willing to engage in one type of risky behavior are more likely to engage in other types of risk behavior, too. Individuals who partake in alcohol consumption in an aquatic setting are statistically less likely to wear life jackets, and more likely to swim alone or in unsupervised areas. The relative risk of death is similar for operators and passengers and increases for both groups as BAC increases.
In this fourth episode of the series, Alex Otte shares one of the key findings from the Boating Under the Influence Report and Dashboard. The expectation carried by much of the public is that as long as a person stays below the legal limit, 0.08 percent, that there are not at risk of impairment. Although there have been many studies to indicate the falsehood in that idea, claiming that impairment can occur at any blood alcohol content level upon a departure from 0.0 percent, this is of particular interest to the boating community. Given the compounding environmental stressors of an on-water setting, to include sun, heat, wind and the motion of the vessel, impairment can occur at a much lower blood alcohol concentration. Because low BAC's present greatly increasing relative risk in an on-water situation, alcohol use may actually be more hazardous on a boat than in other settings
In this third episode of the series, Alex Otte shares one of the key findings from the Boating Under the Influence Report and Dashboard. This finding addresses the research pertaining to the prevalence of alcohol-involved drownings, specifically within the adult male population. In 2011, two-thirds of reported drowning deaths occurred in people aged 15 and over. Almost 50 percent of all drownings that year occurred in males older than 15. The higher rates of male exposure to aquatic environments is compounded by high risk behaviors such as swimming alone, not wearing a personal flotation devices (PFD) when boating or swimming, and alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol usage is likely to contribute to poor risk assessment and decision-making in recreational aquatic activity.
In this second episode of the series, Alex Otte shares one of the key findings from the Boating Under the Influence Report and Dashboard. A gap identified in the research is that of consistent alcohol testing in boating incidents and full reporting on these incidents. The proportion of recreational boating accidents that are alcohol related needs to be statistically determined, and inadequate reporting leaves researchers with an unclear picture of widespread impairment on our nation's waterways.
In this first episode of the series, Alex Otte shares one of the key findings from the Boating Under the Influence Report and Dashboard. Research on boating under the influence clearly demonstrates that alcohol use by boat passengers presents danger regardless of the activity of the operator. Countermeasures to reduce alcohol consumption by all occupants of the boat, consistent with the mission of the Operation Dry Water campaign, are more likely to be effective in reducing boating fatalities. While sober car drivers may greatly reduce the risks to their passengers, the same is not true on the water. The finding that people are more likely to drink on the water than when driving a car also suggests that there is a need to develop improved strategies to reduce drinking on the water.
Subjects discussed…Super Bowl Security, the Swiss Army Knife of Law Enforcement, Boating Under the Influence, partying on Lake Harding, and the general ins and outs of conservation law enforcement. Guests: Mitch Oliver, Game Warden. Links: Fact Sheet Boat US Boater’s Safety Course Georgia’s Boating Rules and Regulations Lands Pass Game Warden Contact Info Support this project: To donate to CRC in support of this project, click here.
One of the things I have come to realize in talking to so many boaters over the last few years is that boating in and of itself is great, but often times it is the means to another end. It is a gateway to a wide variety of activities and experiences that bring happiness into so many lives. Just think of all the things boating can give you access to: fishing, diving, cruising, skiing, wake boarding and wake surfing, time with family and friends, camping and hiking in remote places, boating up to restaurants...the list goes on and on! My last two guests in particular were great reminders of the fact that it isn't just boating, there are many other ways to enjoy the water. Nathan Heber talked about his love of kite-surfing that spawned from his days of sailing, and Rachel Johnson is now an avid stand-up paddle-boarder after growing up on powerboats. The things they all have in common are the love of the outdoors, the appreciation of nature, and of course - the water. Put all these people on or near water and you have a formula for instant happiness. I hope you all find the same. Rachel Johnson is the Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC). She oversees the strategic direction and daily operations in support of the NSBC’s mission of Safer Boating through Education, Outreach, and Training. Rachel has been with the NSBC for nine years, previously as its Communications Director. Rachel was recently appointed by the Department of Homeland Security to serve as a member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, has done extensive committee work with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators as Subcommittee Chair and Committee Member, and, most recently, her article on the importance of developing and implementing grassroots campaigns and their impact on positively changing people’s behaviors was published in the U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings magazine. Rachel was recently recognized with PR News’ People to Watch in PR Under 30 and the Association Forum and USAE’s “Forty Under 40,” recognizing 40 up-and-coming association or nonprofit professionals under the age of 40. Among other accolades, under her management, the NSBC’s “Ready, Set, Wear It!” Life Jacket World Record Day received ASAE’s 2013 prestigious Summit Award for making “America and the world a better place to live” and, in 2016 alone, the NSBC was recognized with eight national awards. Rachel and I discussed, of course, safe boating and some of the outreach initiatives they are working on; how she has fun on, and below, the water through her stand up paddle boarding and scuba diving hobbies, and lots more! On their latest outreach.....Our Get Connected campaign is our newest campaign. The idea behind this is letting boaters know about the engine cut off device and how, if you're wearing it, you can stop what could potentially be a tragic propeller strike or something similar. It is really a positive campaign and we want to focus on the proactive always wearing it. On living the boating lifestyle.....I’m originally from outside of Baltimore and I grew up on the Bush River. My parents had a 23’ powerboat. These days I’ve traded it in for a stand up paddleboard. I like that slow, easy style of the SUP. My parents had two boats that I remember. One was a smaller 19’ Bayliner. Then they upgraded to a Trojan powerboat. They also had a couple of PWCs. For me it was just about being out on the water. My first job was a lifeguard at one of the yacht clubs. On what attracts people into boating.....Every story is so personal. the water draws you in of course and I think all of us share that. But why it draws you in differs – some people love to go fishing, or crabbing at 5am, whereas some like me just want to relax on a quiet Saturday morning. Some people just want to hang out by the dock. They want to relax and hang out with their friends. It draws out your sense of adventure, but everybody’s story is a little different. On spreading the word about boat safety.....Nowadays, with social media and more access to non-profits and to companies, the safety side of things has changed. It’s so much more readily accessible than it was when I was growing up. Things like the media and social media are helping to bring these important topics to the front so we can have these important conversations. Bringing in some spokespeople that speak to our audiences help. Shaw Grigsby was wonderful to work with. And just last month we introrduced a PSA with Hunter Bland. He says to this day ‘I would not be here if it were not for my life jacket and engine cut off device.’These people’s lives get changed by a couple of seconds and people like Hunter want to do such good in the world sharing their stories so others don’t have to face the same consequences. On the importance of partner organizations.....We have an incredible member base. This past year we introduced two new categories for instructors and instructor trainers that want to get more into the training side. We have member organizations and what I really love about them is how varied they are. We have other non-profits, boating and water safety groups, local USCG Auxiliary Groups and Power Squadrons, manufacturers and the commercial industry side. Even though we come from different audiences, we’re all sharing that same message On the the hazards of Boating Under the Influence.....Last year, where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as the leading factor in 15% of deaths. We partner with NASBLA on their Operation Dry Water campaign. Nationwide they work wit state agencies to ramp up enforcement. We support them with our outreach efforts. You can have fun enjoying what boating offers without boating under the influence. On bringing safe boating to children.....We’re coming out with an entire new youth program. The sidekicks activity books teach kids about boating safely. They are absolutely amazing but we have been using those characters for 20 year so coming up in the very near future we are printing new books to bring in the next wave of our youth program! On her scuba passion.....We’re big scuba divers and have been around the world to go to different dive sites. My husband was a rescue diver in the Navy and has thousands of dives under his belt. I’ve always loved the water and I thought 'why am I not under the water, why am I not closer to this beautiful nature?' I started diving around 21 or 22. We got to dive with some reef sharks in the Bahamas. We went to Bermuda and went diving there. Costa Rica was an amazing dive, we saw a barracuda. The one that will never be beat is when we went diving in December in Iceland alongside the Tectonic Plates. Additional safety tips.....On a national level, the life jacket wear rate for adults is really low. Last year, 83% of those that drowned weren’t wearing a life jacket. We always want adults wearing their life jackets. Boating under the influence is a big one for us. And then some other simple things before your trip like filing a float plan. The Coast Guard has a free app where you can file the float plan and send it to a friend. Another one is taking a safe boating course. One other is think about the weather before and throughout your boating trip. Don’t be afraid to postpone it if the weather is bad. On advice for soon-to-be boaters.....Get out there and try different types of boats! There are things like boat clubs. Take up your friends offer. Try out different types. Think about what you want to do on the boat. It’s such a gateway to other activities. Sometimes the boat is what gets you to what you want to do. Discover Boating helps you determine which boat might be right for you. Seek out the experts and see what resources they might have for you.
Boating Under the Influence is a crime, and poses a serious threat to boaters, swimmers, and those who enjoy spending time along the shore. In this week's episode, Skip explains what law enforcement officers look for in determining if a boater is operating a vessel while intoxicated. We'll also take a look at a couple of tragic events that occurred on the water, including one case that involved someone who was Boating Under the Influence.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers across the state are kicking off “Operation Dry Water,” part of a nationwide crackdown on Boating Under the Influence (BUI) cases. From mid June 2011 until the end of summer, Tennessee wildlife officers and other law enforcement are spending extended hours on Tennessee’s lakes and waterways on the lookout for […]