What aspects of a person's abilities does alcohol affect while boating?

Alcohol significantly impairs a person's judgment and physical reaction time, which can be particularly dangerous while boating. Judgment is critical in making quick decisions on the water, such as navigating hazards, assessing weather conditions, and responding to the actions of other boaters. When judgment is compromised, a person may take unnecessary risks, fail to adhere to safety rules, or misjudge distances and speeds.

Physical reaction time is equally important in boating, as it affects how quickly a person can respond to sudden changes or emergencies, such as avoiding a collision or adjusting to unexpected waves. Alcohol slows down this reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

While the other aspects mentioned in the other choices—such as speed, coordination, vision, hearing, strength, and stamina—can also be influenced by alcohol, the direct effects on judgment and reaction time are particularly crucial when it comes to the safety of everyone on the water.