Operation Dry Water – National Effort to Stop BUI (Boating Under the Influence)

by Lisa Frederiksen

Today is caping Operation Dry Water week-end. This is a coordinated effort to celebrate June 26-28 as “a national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) 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.” The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies, is coordinating Operation Dry Water. Here are their statistics:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is dangerous and illegal. Over 20% of fatal boating accidents are a result of alcohol use.

• 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.

As you plan your summer boating adventures, it’s important to know that operating a recreational vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher is against most state and federal laws. The vessel’s voyage will be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be arrested. Penalties may include fines, jail, impoundment of boats and loss of boating and/or driving privileges.

So be safe and protect the safety of others on the water – don’t BUI.