A blood alcohol limit applies to all boat operators in South Australia.

An operator that reaches a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or above is guilty of an offence.

These limits also apply to waterskiers and observers.

Alcohol increases

• body heat loss, reducing your survival time if you fall overboard
• pulse rate, leading to quick exhaustion if you have to swim to safety.

Prescription medications and other drugs can also pose problems. Sea-sickness, hay fever and other allergy preparations can make you feel drowsy or easily confused. Check with your doctor or chemist on the possible side effects of any drug you are taking before you go boating.

To find out more, please read our "What you need to know about alcohol on the water" publication.

The following is an extract from the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 in respect to alcohol and other drugs:

• Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 Extract (59k)