A weekend fishing expedition turned tragic over the weekend on Lake Texoma. Adverse weather conditions caused a boat carrying five fishermen to capsize killing one of them. Today we examined another danger on the waters― alcohol and boating ―in our Safe Family report.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's website, it is illegal to operate any vessel while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances on Oklahoma waters.

“You’re not only harming yourself in a boating accident, there's a possibility of injuring or killing another party, a family member or someone else, a child and adult. Most people wouldn't want to live with that on their minds," Marty Grisham with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says.

In Texas, while open containers are allowed in boats, a boater's drivers license can be automatically suspended if they are arrested for operating the machine while intoxicated.

For more information on boating safety, check the links below.

On the Web:

Oklahoma Boat Safety

Oklahoma Boating Handbook

TX Boater Education / Operator Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About TX Boating Laws

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