Community Fights Alcohol-Related Boating Crashes Before Holiday

In Oakland County, Michigan, where boating plays a major role in summer recreation, various community agencies and coalitions teamed up to host a 'By Land or Sea Drive Alcohol Free' Safe Summer Celebration to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Hometown Life reported on June 29.

The Oakland County Health Division Office of Substance Abuse Services, Oakland County Sheriff's Office Marine Division, MADD of Oakland County and community substance use prevention coalitions joined forces to stage the event on June 29 at a local sporting goods store.

The Safe Summer Celebration featured giveaways, casting contests, water safety education and free child identification kits provided by the Masons of Michigan.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Marine Division also provided free boating lessons throughout the day.

Approximately 50 percent of boating crashes are alcohol-related.

'Many people do not understand that drinking while boating is just as dangerous as drinking while driving an automobile,' said Lisa McKay, chief of the Office of Substance Abuse Services. 'We want people to have a fun, but safe summer both on land and on water.'