MAKE THIS THE SUMMER OF THE YELLOW WRISTBAND

Take the Sober Skipper Pledge to Eliminate Boating Under the Influence

Now that the summer boating season is in full swing, you might notice boaters wearing distinctive yellow wristbands. That’s because they’ve taken the Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper pledge to abstain from alcohol and drugs while out on the water.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) statistics don’t lie: the effects of alcohol are greatly intensified by wind, vibration, noise and the sun, which can impair balance, coordination, concentration and judgment when on a boat. BUI is 100 percent preventable. By taking the pledge to stay sober, you’re helping to keep everyone on board and those around you safe.

Boating accidents involving alcohol can and do happen on Smithville Lake including a major accident in August of 2021 that sent 10 people to the hospital. BUI (Boating under the Influence) is 100% preventable. Bringing the Sober Skipper campaign to Smithville is an important prevention effort to increase safety for everyone on the lake.