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| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Coast Guard, local agencies kick off Operation Dry Water *Media Availability* |
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Editor's note: There will be a media platform available Friday afternoon to embed and document Coast Guard personnel and other participating agencies. Please contact Petty Officer Cindy Beckert at (305) 318-1864 or Petty Officer Michael Hulme at (904) 564-7624 no later than 10 a.m. Friday. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Coast Guard, state and local law enforcement agencies will partner this Friday through Sunday as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide initiative designed to discourage boating under the influence. Operation Dry Water is a collaborative enforcement effort between the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the Coast Guard. This Operation reflects a strong partnership aimed at highlighting the dangers of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participating agencies include: -- Clay County, Fla., Sheriff's Office -- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Northeast Region -- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, North Central Region -- Jacksonville Sheriff's Office -- Lake County, Fla., Sheriff's Office -- Marion County, Fla., Sheriff's Office -- Nassau County, Fla., Sheriff's Office -- Putnam County, Fla., Sheriff's Office -- Volusia County, Fla., Sheriff's Office The Coast Guard and participating agencies will be out in full force looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the national limit of 0.08 percent. "People understand the dangers of driving drunk; we want to equally stress the dangers of boating under the influence and emphasize the importance of boating safety," said Capt. Paul F. Thomas, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. "Our goal is to reduce the number of alcohol related fatalities. We want boaters to enjoy their time on the water and it is equally important that they remain aware of the hazards of BUIs." Boating under the influence is illegal in all 50 states. Boaters found to be boating under the influence can expect severe penalties, to include fines and possible arrest. BUI enforcement is just as important as highway patrol officers arresting drunk drivers. Recreational boating accidents are second only to highway accidents in the number of transportation fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry water, visit http://operationdrywater.org. |
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