Operation Dry Water Hopes To Cut Down Impaired Boaters
Operation Dry Water runs June 29th to July 1st, and is a weekend campaign to keep people from boating while intoxicated.
Everyone thinks they can bring a little alcohol on the boat and they can boat safely. Ask my friend Courtney she lost most of her leg in a boating accident. When you are impaired you are impaired. Officers will step up their enforcement this weekend so that means everyone needs to be at the top of their game.
Make sure a sober person is in control, make sure people that are drinking aren't horsing around in the boat or playing with the fishing poles so no one gets hurt.
According To The Operation Dry Water Website, Here's A Few Facts To Think About:
- The federal BAC legal limit for operating a vessel under the influence is .08.
- Alcohol use can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
- If you boat under the influence your voyage may be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be arrested. Penalties vary by state but can include fines, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges.
- Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion —“stressors” common to the boating environment— intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.
- Alcohol use can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.
- Alcohol is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication can cause slips, falls over board and other dangerous accidents.
- If you boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol you are endangering your life and the lives of others.