Behind the Badge - Drinking and Boating
Drinking and Boating
District Game Warden Conner Folkers
Wardens encounter people enjoying North Dakota’s lakes all summer whether it be on shore or in their boats. While there is no law prohibiting an open container on a boat as opposed to a vehicle, there is still a law of boating under the influence of alcohol/drugs in place.
While working a few weeks back, warden Sperling and I responded to a report of a reckless and possibly intoxicated operator on a jet ski. We arrived to find the man creating wakes with the jet ski and spraying water too close to people at the swim beach.
Under North Dakota law, you cannot operate a motorboat or vessel within 100 feet of a person fishing from a shoreline, swimmer, swimming diving raft, or an occupied, anchored or nonmotorized vessel at greater than slow or no wake speed.
We determined that the man had not been drinking but plenty of other people on the swim beach had. We were able to address the situation by citing the man for reckless operation of a motorboat.
Following the incident, we had a few women approach us and one in particular asked if she seemed OK to drive as they had been drinking on the beach.
Usually, if you have to ask someone if you’re OK to drive, then you probably are not.
I told her that I could run her through a few tests and she agreed. The tests did not go in her favor. Warden Sperling and I told her immediately following the tests that she should not drive and to get a ride home. She said she only had a few drinks.
A few drinks in the sun when it is 85 degrees can have a different effect on your body than during other settings. The woman decided to get a ride.
This is a reminder that while drinking alcohol on boats and around the lake in summer can be fun for many, it can also be dangerous.
Summertime is often filled with sun and heat which can dehydrate many people quicker and make them become intoxicated faster than they realize. We understand people want to enjoy themselves but make sure you are responsible at the same time.