As Coloradans head to the water this summer, authorities are reminding everyone that boating under the influence is illegal—and a recent arrest at Dillon Reservoir highlights just how serious the consequences can be.
According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, a boater was taken into custody after he sped into the Frisco Marina, striking a parked boat and causing minor damage. After the collision, the man walked off to retrieve his truck and trailer, but deputies stopped him upon his return and noticed clear signs of intoxication.
He admitted to having “a few alcoholic beverages” and agreed to field sobriety tests, which he reportedly failed. The man was arrested on multiple charges, including boating under the influence and reckless operation. A subsequent blood test revealed his blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08.
Under Colorado law, the same BAC rules for driving a car apply to operating a boat. A 120-pound woman can hit the legal limit with just two drinks, while a 180-pound man might reach it after four. The numbers climb quickly with high-alcohol craft beers, which often exceed 9% ABV—doubling the alcohol of a standard 5% beer.
Law enforcement urges boaters to assign a sober captain or drink extremely responsibly if they’re behind the wheel.
As a reminder, the individual named in this incident is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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