Would you get on a plane if you knew the pilot was drunk? Would you and your kids get into a car with a driver you knew was drunk?
In an effort to make recreational boating safer for everyone, the U.S. Coast Guard will once again partner with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), states and other partner agencies for the annual ” Operation Dry Water” the weekend of June 22-24, 2012.
The idea behind this event, which takes place the weekend before 4th of July weekend, is to bring Boating Under the Influence (BUI) education and enforcement, aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities, to the forefront.
The most recent statistics made available by the USCG reports that BUI is the leading contributor in fatal boating accidents; adding that 17 percent of fatalities from boating accidents were a direct result of alcohol or drug use.
There are many factors that when added to the use of alcohol, drugs or even some over-the-counter prescription drugs can cause fatigue which can then effect the coordination, judgment and reaction time of the person at the helm. These factors such as the sun, wind, noise, vibration and movement – when combined with alcohol or drugs – can cause the operator to have an elevated blood alcohol concentration level. And an operator with a level above .10 percent is estimated to be more than 10 times more likely to perish in a boating accident than one who has zero blood alcohol concentration. It is the same for the boat passengers.
If law enforcement comes across a boat operator who is Boating Under the Influence, there is a chance the boat will be impounded, the operator could be arrested, fined, imprisoned, they could lose their boating privileges, or even the possibility of losing their driving privileges.
It is imperative to be aware of the possible results from drinking while boating. It is a good idea to bring a lot of beverages such as: water, sodas, ice tea, koolaid, and juices to name a few; as well as snacks and food, especially if alcohol is brought on board.
By keeping boating safety top of mind, and alcohol at home, boaters reduce the risk of injury to those on board, troubles with law enforcement and your boat insurance company.
Each year more agencies and locations are participating with the “Operation Dry Water” campaign. Check with your state and local authorities to see where they will be located.
And be sure to be aware of the laws of your state, and be conscious of the safety of not only your family and friends, but of your investment as well.
For more information: http://www.operationdrywater.org/
