FWC supports ‘Operation Dry Water’ for 3rd year
News Release
Monday, June 20, 2011
Media contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
Last year, 17 people died from boating accidents related to
alcohol and drug use in Florida.
"Alcohol- and drug-related boating accidents are preventable,"
said Capt. Tom Shipp, of the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section.
"Even one death is too many."
That is why law enforcement agencies around the state and
country are participating in "Operation Dry Water" this weekend.
This nationwide public-education effort is designed to prevent
alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. FWC officers, along with
local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard, will crack down on
boating under the influence (BUI) violations.
"While our officers always look for BUIs," Shipp said, "this
weekend, they are making a special effort to stop this dangerous
activity."
2009 was the inaugural year for this effort, and the program's
effectiveness made repeating it worthwhile. Last year, agencies in
all 50 states and six U.S. territories participated, interacting
with more than 60,000 boaters and taking 322 impaired operators off
the water before they could kill or injure themselves or someone
else. The FWC alone arrested 12 boaters for BUI.
"We know that increased officer effort reduces boating accidents
and saves lives. Saving lives is what 'Operation Dry Water' is
really all about," Shipp said.
The FWC reminds boaters to be careful this weekend. Boaters who
have had too much to drink or who are impaired by drugs are a great
danger to the boating public.
"Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a boat
operator's vision and reaction time," Shipp said. "Sun, wind,
fatigue and other conditions can intensify the effects alcohol or
drugs have on a boater."
Intoxicated boaters are also susceptible to injuries or falling
overboard because of impaired coordination and balance.
"If you're caught boating under the influence, you may be fined
and jailed, your boat may seized, and you could lose your boating
privileges," Shipp said. "But most importantly, you are risking
your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of other
people out on the water."
The FWC reminds boaters that they are responsible for making
decisions that keep themselves and others safe.
"We want everyone to have a great time and stay safe on the
water," Shipp said. "Carelessly choosing to operate a boat while
impaired is a decision that can result in a tragic ending to an
otherwise wonderful day on the water."
For more information, please visit www.operationdrywater.org or MyFWC.com/Boating.
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