Officials Team Up To Crackdown On Intoxicated Boaters
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Boating under the influence, BUI, is a serious issue and continues to be a major problem across the nation. In an effort to raise awareness and crackdown on BUIs, local and nationwide officials will launch Operation Dry Water from June 28-30th.
Operation Dry Water 2013 is a coordinated effort between several agencies, both local and nationwide, working together to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to BUI, according to the Everglades National Park News Release.
Officers during Operation Dry Water will be looking for boaters with a blood alcohol content over the legal state limit of .08.
There will be increased patrol on the weekend as well as boater education to increase awareness of dangers and consequences.
For example, impaired boaters in Everglades National Park can be fined up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.
"We are dedicated to keeping boaters safe on our waters. Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules," said Superintendent Dan Kimball. "You will see our officers from Key Largo and Flamingo out on the water in Florida Bay, and from our Gulf Coast District in Everglades City, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a day of safe boating."
Operation Dry Water was launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Operation Dry Water 2013 is a joint program of Everglades National Park, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org.
