While you can fail alcohol testing if you mix alcohol and skippering a boat or ship in Western Australia, what you may not realise is consuming alcohol before any water activity can be dangerous. In fact, alcohol is one of the leading causes of drownings in the state, highlighting that alcohol and water activities can be a fatal mix.
Western Australia is a water-lovers’ paradise
Western Australia is a paradise for water lovers, especially in summer when the sun is shining and the coastline comes alive. From swimming and surfing to fishing and boating, water activities are a way of life for locals and visitors alike. With some of the world’s most stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder WA is a top destination for summer fun on the water.
However, this water activity does come with risks and when alcohol is added to the mix, the risks multiply. In fact, according to Royal Life Saving Western Australia, 24.3 per cent of all drownings in the state in a recent year had alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.
Why does mixing alcohol with water activities place you at a significantly greater risk of drowning?
According to the website, “Drinking alcohol impairs your senses, encouraging risk-taking behaviour which makes you more likely to get into trouble. If you drink and get into the water, tired muscles and confusion from being under the influence of alcohol makes it harder to get out of trouble. Once you are in trouble, even if a friend does come to your aid, alcohol seriously reduces your chances of surviving a non-fatal drowning as resuscitation methods are less likely to work.”
A sobering thought, so what is the advice when it comes to alcohol and aquatic activity?
- If you’re drinking, stay out of the water.
- If you plan to drink, enjoy water activities first and don’t go back in afterward.
- Eat a substantial meal before consuming alcohol.
- Never engage in water activities alone.
- Stay out of the water at night.
- Avoid swimming or boating in unfamiliar conditions or locations.
Alcohol testing can catch you on Western Australia’s waterways
If the safety risk doesn’t scare you enough, here’s another caution for those who drink alcohol and skipper a boat, ship or other vessel. Alcohol testing can catch you on Western Australia’s waterways.
Under new laws brought in last year, skippers in Western Australia will face the same alcohol limits and penalties as those who drive on our roads. The same goes for drugs.
Transport officers and police can now test skippers in Western Australia anytime, anywhere. Positive alcohol testing or drug testing results will allow officers to stop the vessel immediately, thereby, improving water safety. They can then set in motion significant penalties for those that do the wrong thing.
Just like on WA’s roads, the blood alcohol limit is 0.05 and graduated penalties for being above this limit align with road laws in the state. Increased fines and penalties will apply for repeat offenders.
So, the message is clear. Don’t mix alcohol and activities on the water. The risks are simply too great.
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It’s not just alcohol testing you should fear if you mix alcohol and water activities in Western Australia.
