Law enforcement ill be watching boaters a little more closely this weekend, June 22-24.
Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities and to foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.
This coordinated event, Operation Dry Water, will directly address the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan Strategy 6.2, …increase the number of BUI checkpoints to collect and report BUI and safety compliance data in the Performance Report Part II AND Strategy 6.6 Challenge law enforcement officials to test more operators for alcohol/drug use in accident investigations.
Curbing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities is a key to achieving safer and more enjoyable recreational boating. In 2007, Coast Guard statistics indicate that 21% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. This continues an upward trend in the percentage of fatalities where alcohol was the primary cause of the accident
This three day event is part of a national ad campaign on the effects and dangers of drinking and boating. Campaign includes increased law enforcement on the water, safety checks and boater contacts. In 2011, 50 officers contacted 799 boaters, performed 209 safety checks and issued 45 citations/warnings.
