Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of BUII
detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-
related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more
visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.  This campaign is sponsored by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard, in cooperation of 48 other state marine law enforcement agencies.

 

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is dangerous and illegal. Over 20%
of fatal boating accidents are a result of alcohol use. Penalties may
include $6,250 in fines, jail time, impoundment of boats and loss of boating driving privileges.  Some jurisdictions also require the boater to take a classroom boating safety course.

 

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 –
"stressors" common to the boating environment – intensify the effects
of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

 

Operating a recreational vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08%
or higher is against most state and federal laws.  At a .08%, the boater will automatically lose boating privilages and receive a huge fine.  Boaters who are impaired under a .08% can still be arrested for BUII if they fail standardized field sobriety tests.

 

Marine Enforcement of Boating Under the Influence Stepped Up this Weekend -"Operation Dry Water" Part of a Nationwide EffortOperation Dry Water Flyer 

 

Operation Dry Water Press Kit 

 

Operation Dry Water Fact Sheet