Imagine this, a warm day the sun glistening off the water, and a powerboat at hand. Now that sounds like a fun day on the water, but adding alcohol to the mix can turn a fun day into a tragic day. That is why Operation Dry Water was born. Operation Dry Water is a national boating under the influence (BUI) awareness and enforcement campaign. This years campaign runs this weekend June 28-30.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies, coordinate the event each year. Are you wondering what you can do to participate during Operation Dry Water (ODW)? You can start by taking the pledge to never boat under the influence. After taking the pledge, boaters will receive a sticker that can be placed on their boat, car, etc. which will signify that the boater is a supporter of ODW and an advocate for responsible boating. As a boater, we ask that you support the efforts of the USCG, NASBLA, and local law enforcement by educating friends and families about Operation Dry Water and the dangerous of BUI. Most importantly we ask that you live by the pledge and never Boat Under the Influence!
Participating Law Enforcement agencies are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted weekend. This can be done by focusing on a particular body of water, by increasing patrols in several locations, by conducting BUI checkpoints in one or more locations or through a combination of these activities. Agencies are also asked to work with their local media to make the public aware of the event and the hazards of Boating Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs. Make sure to willingly comply to the requests made by participating agencies to continue to enjoy your time on the water safely.
17% of boating fatalities are a direct result of alcohol. Use Operation Dry Water this weekend to help spread the word that alcohol and boating do not mix.
