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Office of Public Affairs |
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| News Release |
Date: June 23, 2009 |
Coast Guard to participate in Operation Dry Water |
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SEATTLE - The Coast Guard will be participating in Operation Dry Water during the weekend of June 26-28, 2009 in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Operation Dry Water is an enforcement effort designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal in all 50 states and all six territories. This year, marine law enforcement officers and the Coast Guard will be out in full force in 43 states and territories, searching for boat operators whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is in excess of the legal limit of .08%. Boaters found to be operating under the influence can expect penalties including, but not limited to fines, impoundment of vessel, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges. "The Coast Guard in partnership with local law enforcement hopes to send a strong message this weekend that boating while intoxicated is a dangerous activity, which carries serious consequences and can ruin lives," said Coast Guard Lt. Michael Friend, of Sector Seattle Enforcement Division. "Our goal is to ensure that everyone on the water enjoys themselves and returns home safely at the end of the day." Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion common to the boating environment intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications. In 2007, the Coast Guard reported 21 percent of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. |
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