[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Law Enforcement Officers Nationwide

[Massey, Ashley]

For Immediate Release              Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2012
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Marine law enforcement officers Nationwide
Gear up for 2012 Operation Dry Water
Boating fatalities at highest levels since 1998; BUI a leading factor

Recreational boating fatalities last year jumped to their highest levels since 1998 and boating under the influence (BUI) was the leading contributing factor, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's report, 2011 Recreational Boating Statistics.  The report comes just weeks before marine law enforcement officers nationwide turn out for Operation Dry Water (ODW), an annual campaign focused on enforcement of BUI laws and educating all boaters about the risks of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  Operation Dry Water 2012 will be held June 22-24, just prior to the Fourth of July.  Those caught operating a vessel under the influence will find their voyage terminated and their vessel impounded.  Penalties may also include arrest, fines up to $6,250 and loss of boating privileges for up to three years in Oregon.

Despite the fact that it is against federal law and Oregon law for a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher to operate a boat, BUI continues to be a major problem in the U.S. and accounts for a disproportional number of deaths on the water. Alcohol was a contributing factor in just 6 percent of boating accidents overall, but figured in 16 percent of boating fatalities in 2011.

Operation Dry Water, a multi-agency, education and enforcement initiative launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, puts thousands of local, state and federal marine law enforcement officers on the water just before the Fourth of July to give BUI enforcement high visibility before a holiday known for drinking and boating - and deadly accidents.

"There are huge risks if drinking and boating," says John Fetterman, law enforcement director for NASBLA and national spokesperson for Operation Dry Water.   "These are needless deaths in a recreational activity that is safe and enjoyable when people stay alert and follow the rules."

Officers from all 56 U.S. states, trusts and territories are expected to participate in Operation Dry Water 2012, educating the public and being on the lookout for boat operators who are operating recklessly and/or not complying with marine laws, which can be indicators of alcohol consumption.

For more information on this annual event, visit http://operationdrywater.org or the Marine Board's website at http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/BoatLaws/pages/index.aspx.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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