Abstract
Alcohol is beginning to be recognised as an important risk factor in other transportation, including in boating fatalities. However, little is known regarding the prevalence of drinking on the water. This paper describes the prevalence of alcohol use among recreational boaters on the Chesapeake Bay. Alcohol use on the water is common. Unlike drivers on the highway, the BACs (blood alcohol contents) are more likely to be elevated in boaters, and men and women have similar BACs. Data from this prevalence study will also be used in an ongoing case-control study of alcohol and boating fatality risk. Upon completion of case-control analyses, the prevalence data will also be used to estimate attributable risk.