FWC Part of Nationwide 'Operation Dry Water' BUI Enforcement
VIDEO: Increased patrols & education by local law enforcement to be anticipated

Posted Jun. 25, 2009

 
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"More than 20 percent of fatal boating accidents are a result of alcohol use," said Capt. Richard Moore, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) boating law administrator. "The FWC and our marine law enforcement partners are making every effort to bring this number down and save lives."

The FWC, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and state and local law enforcement agencies, are participating this weekend in "Operation Dry Water" - a national, coordinated effort aimed at reducing boating under the influence (BUI) and the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.

"Anticipate increased patrols," Moore said. "We also will be educating the public about other aspects of safe boating, which include not only operating a vessel sober, but having all the required safety equipment and wearing a life jacket all of the time while on the water."

In addition to Moore's position with the FWC, he is president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) - a nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and U.S. territories and is the coordinating entity for Operation Dry Water. Forty-five states and territories are participating in the weekend event.

"If you're caught boating under the influence, you may be fined and jailed, your boat may seized, and you could lose your boating privileges," Moore said. "But mostly, you are risking your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of other persons out on the water."

Boating under the influence includes not only the effects of drinking alcohol, but also the effects that drugs, prescribed and otherwise, may cause. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a boat operator's vision and reaction time. Sun, wind, fatigue and other conditions can intensify the effects alcohol or drugs have on a boater. Intoxicated boaters are susceptible to injuries or falling overboard due to impaired coordination and balance.

Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on coastal and inland waters this weekend, but Moore warns boaters can expect to see more law enforcement on the water throughout the busy summer season.

"We are setting the tone for the summer. We want everyone to have a great time, and we want to keep friends and family healthy and happy on the water," Moore said. "A boating fatality, especially when the accident is attributed to BUI, not only takes a life, but it destroys those left behind who have lost a loved one. And most people do not want to live with the guilt of carelessly taking a life."