It is (thankfully) the time of year when it is time to pull the cover off the boat and head out on the water for fun, sun, fishing, water-skiing, or whatever your favorite boating activity is. If you are like me, having a cold beer or two on a hot Saturday on the water is tough to beat. Few things are more relaxing than enjoying Wisconsin's many beautiful rivers and lakes. This post is a reminder, though, that if a beer or two turns into five or six, you could find yourself spending the weekend in handcuffs instead of relaxing on the water.

 Most people know the law in regards to drinking and driving. You cannot drive while impaired, and in the State of Wisconsin you are presumed to be impaired if your blood alcohol level is over a .08. What many people do not know is that the same presumption applies to Boating Under the Influence (BUI). The limit is .08 whether you're driving a vehicle on land or a boat in the water.

The penalties for BUI can include fines, impounded boats, or even jail time for a repeat offender. In addition, anyone operating a boat has been deemed to have  already consented to an alcohol test by the DNR or other authority. 

Stay safe out there and have fun! For more information check out the BUI law in Wisconsin here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/30/V/681?view=section