The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division will be ramping up the enforcement of Georgia’s drunk boating laws this weekend in advance of the Fourth of July holiday.
As part of a national push called Operation Dry Water, rangers will be out in force in a coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence (BUI).
The mission of Operation Dry Water is also to bring awareness and education to recreational boaters about the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the water.
“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,” says Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver. “You will see our officers out on the water looking for boaters who are operating a vessel under the influence.”
Despite the fact that it is against the law in Georgia for a person to operate a boat or other recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, BUI continues to be a problem here.
So far this year, Georgia conservation rangers have made 71 BUI arrests on the state’s lakes and waterways.
Operation Dry Water is a multi-agency, education and enforcement initiative launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. Thousands of local, state and federal marine law enforcement officers on the water take part to give BUI enforcement high visibility before a holiday known for drinking and boating.
For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org.
