Protecting Lives on the Water: Prosecutors and Boating Safety Advocacy

Boating Safety: A Critical Mission for Prosecutors

From Shore to Courtroom: Why Boating Safety Is a Prosecutorial Priority

By: The National Traffic Law Center at the National District Attorney’s Association

UPDATE: FREE BUI training for prosecutors to be held on July 16, 2025. Scroll to the end of this article for more information and to register!

As summer heats up, millions head to lakes, rivers, and coastal waters to enjoy the freedom and fun of boating. But one reckless decision, especially involving alcohol, can turn a day of celebration into a lifelong tragedy.

With the July 4th holiday approaching, the deadliest day on our nation’s waters, now is the time to prioritize safety. Prosecutors across the country are working to hold impaired boaters accountable and protect families from preventable heartbreak. Boating safety is not just a personal responsibility. It is a community imperative.

Boating is immensely popular in the United States, with over 100 million Americans participating every year. Unfortunately, the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics reveal a stark reality: 4,168 boating crashes occurred, resulting in 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries, and approximately $55 million in property damage.

Alarmingly, alcohol was identified as the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating crashes, accounting for 23% of deaths.

These grim numbers underscore the pressing need for heightened awareness, adherence to safety practices, and a concerted effort to combat boating under the influence (BUI).

Prosecutors: Guardians of Waterway Safety

Prosecutors are at the forefront of upholding boating laws and ensuring the safety of our waterways. Our role extends far beyond the courtroom, encompassing public education, advocacy, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. By prosecuting Boating Under the Influence, reckless operation, and failure to adhere to safety regulations, we deter unsafe behaviors and reinforce the gravity of following the law.

Prosecutors also play a vital role in supporting victims of boating crashes, providing them with justice and compassion, underscoring the human impact of these tragedies. Through community outreach and participation in awareness campaigns, we educate the public about the legal consequences of unsafe boating and the significance of practicing safety on the water.

Charting a Course for Safe Boating

While prosecutors safeguard public safety, there are also key steps every boater should take to protect themselves and others on the water:

· Wear a Life Jacket: The U.S. Coast Guard reports that drowning was the cause of death in 79% of all boating fatalities, and 86% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

· NEVER operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times. Operating a boat under the influence is dangerous and illegal. Help spread the message to stay sober while boating to prevent crashes and save lives.

· Take a Boating Safety Course: Education is essential for safe boating. Boating safety courses provide the skills and knowledge needed to navigate waters safely.

· Emphasize Weather Awareness: Weather conditions can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before heading out and be prepared to return to shore if conditions worsen.

· Know the Navigation Rules: Just like driving, there are rules for navigating waterways. Boaters must familiarize themselves with these rules — before heading out on the water — to avoid collisions and ensure safe passage.

As we embark on another boating season, let’s collectively prioritize safety and protect our waterways. The collaborative efforts of prosecutors, law enforcement, and the community can significantly reduce crashes, save lives, and preserve the joys of boating for all. By understanding the importance of boating safety and taking proactive steps, we can navigate the waters of public protection and ensure our waterways remain enjoyable and secure for generations to come.

BUI TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR PROSECUTORS:

Prosecuting Boating Under the Influence
July 16, 2025, 10 am — 3 pm EST
Online or In-Person at NASBLA Headquarters (Lexington, KY)

Email to register (for either online or in person)

This course, brought to you by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the NDAA’s National Traffic Law Center, is designed to equip prosecutors and law enforcement officers with the tools and training necessary to effectively prepare and litigate boating under the influence (BUI) cases. Participants will explore the challenges associated with prosecuting BUI offenses, including overcoming social acceptance and biases that can impact juror perception.

In addition to trial preparation strategies, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of BUI investigations, including an in-depth tutorial on the seated Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Through a collaborative approach, this course emphasizes the importance of working closely with officers and witnesses to build a compelling case, strengthen trial preparation, and achieve better outcomes in BUI prosecutions.

Email to register (for either online or in person)

This article is published by the National District Attorney’s Association’s National Traffic Law Center (NTLC). The NTLC is a resource designed to benefit prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers, and others in the justice system. The mission of the NTLC is to improve the quality of justice in traffic safety adjudications by increasing the awareness of safety issues through the compilation, creation, and dissemination of legal and technical information, and by providing training and reference services.