WHAT IS OPERATION DRY WATER?
Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. Operation Dry Water’s heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend takes place annually around July fourth, a holiday unfortunately known for drinking and boating, and deadly incidents.
NATIONAL RESULTS
The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.
ABOUT BUI
ALCOHOL IS THE LEADING CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN FATAL BOATING ACCIDENTS.
If you boat under the influence your voyage may be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be arrested. Penalties vary by state but can include fines, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges.
The federal BAC legal limit for operating a vessel under the influence is .08
Alcohol use can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time
Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion —“stressors” common to the boating environment— intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications
Alcohol use can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.
Alcohol is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication can cause slips, falls over board and other dangerous accidents.
If you boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol you are endangering your life and the lives of others.
