Recognizing the July 4th and Canada Day weekend as the busiest and most celebratory weekend of the summer boating season, Sea Tow is reminding people to boat responsibly. In addition to reviewing pre-departure checklists, filing float plans, fueling up, and reviewing safety procedures with guests, people who consume alcohol while boating are encouraged to do so in moderation and to always designate a sober skipper.

In an effort to get this message into the hands of boaters, Sea Tow captains across America will be handing out 30,000 koozies – foam can insulators – to boaters during the holiday weekend. The koozies are emblazoned with the message: “Booze and Boats don’t mix. Designate a Sober Skipper.” Sea Tow captains will distribute koozies between Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 4 as their schedules allow. Boaters in need of assistance will receive priority service. Boaters can also purchase koozies by following the “Merchandise” link at www.seatow.com .

“Sea Tow is not a proponent of consuming alcohol while boating, but we recognize it is a reality we must deal with,” said Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow’s founder/CEO. “I want to remind people who drink while boating to do so responsibly and in moderation. I’ve witnessed too many alcohol-related accidents over the years to not feel compelled to promote even the simplest ways to reduce them. Prevention takes just one smart, split-second decision and a willingness to be a sober skipper. It’s my hope that literally putting the message into people’s hands will serve as a constant reminder to make smart decisions while boating. We don’t want anyone to become a statistic.”

Alcohol and drug use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. In addition, the effects of the sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion that are common to boating can intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every province, state and territory. The U.S. Coast Guard has consistently listed alcohol use as the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.