WEEKEND: Special patrol to cite boozing boaters
Published 12:01 am Friday, June 28, 2013
State marine law enforcement agencies will participate in a national special emphasis campaign today through Sunday to cite people who are operating boats while under the influence of alcohol, also known as BUI.
The campaign, called Operation Dry Water, is a coordinated effort to heighten enforcement and awareness.
The goal of Operation Dry Water is to prevent injury and death in wrecks resulting from people consuming alcohol or drugs while operating boats.
Statistics
According to Washington State Parks Boating Programs, between 2007 and 2013, at least 39 people were killed in reportable boating wrecks where alcohol use was a contributing factor.
The emphasis patrol weekend is aimed at raising awareness of the problem and getting impaired boat operators off the water by actively enforcing the law that prohibits using alcohol and drugs while operating a boat.
Boat operators may be cited if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds the state limit of 0.08 percent.
According the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division, alcohol can be more dangerous to boaters than drivers because boat operators often are less experienced and less confident on the water than on the highway.
For more information on the national Operation Dry Water campaign, visit www.operationdrywater.org.
