Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

How much less alcohol does it take to get drunk on water compared to land?

1. 1/2

2. 1/4

3. 1/3

4. 1/5

The correct answer is: 1/3

When considering the impact of alcohol consumption while on water versus land, several physiological and environmental factors come into play. Alcohol tends to affect individuals more significantly in a water setting due to factors such as increased body temperature, dehydration, and the physical strain associated with boating activities. On water, the body is exposed to various stressors that can influence how alcohol is metabolized. The movement of the boat, exposure to sunlight, and the overall effort involved in maintaining balance can enhance feelings of intoxication. Consequently, individuals may experience a degree of impairment at a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on water compared to land. Research suggests that the general consensus is that it takes about one-third less alcohol to reach a comparable level of impairment when on water, which aligns with the correct answer. This means that an individual could potentially become impaired after consuming less alcohol while boating than they would require while in a more stable environment on land.