Relationship of alcohol consumption and recreational boating in Beaufort County, North Carolina.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between alcohol use and recreational boating activities. Two hundred eleven (n = 211) boaters were surveyed at three boating access locations in Beaufort County, North Carolina. The survey questionnaire consisted of fifteen questions designed to obtain information on boat operators and their use of alcoholic beverages while engaging in boating activities. Prevalence and amount of alcohol use while boating were significantly associated (p < .05) with the type of activity engaged in. Among those boaters who had received some type of boating safety education, a higher prevalence of alcohol use while boating was observed. The prevalence and amount of alcohol use while boating were found to be significantly (p < .05) associated with the location (public versus private) of boating access. In light of the findings, it is apparent that boating alcohol education and legislation for the North Carolina boating population need assessment and revision. The implications of the findings could have far-reaching effects upon education and prevention among the recreational boating population, particularly if further research in this area supports these finding.