Operation Dry Water continues in Twin Lakes

Recreational boating fatalities last year jumped to their highest levels since1998 and boating under the influence (BUI) was the leading contributing factor, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s report, 2011 Recreational Boating Statistics. If you have been injured by someone who was boating while drunk then you might want to contact someone like this Kingsland personal injury attorney to see if they can help you get compensation.

The report came just weeks before Twin Lakes Police Department Water Patrol officers were to participate in Operation Dry Water 2012, an annual nationwide campaign focused on enforcement of BUI laws and educating all boaters to the risks of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Officers will continue to be out in force through June 24, looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the state limit of .08 percent Operation Dry Water (ODW) will include increased patrols as well as boater education.

Impaired boaters can expect penalties to be severe. In Wisconsin the consequences for BUI include fines, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges.

“We intend to reach out to as many people as possible about the hazards of boating under the influence,” says Lieutenant Dennis Linn, the Department Spokesperson for Operation Dry Water.

BUI continues to be a major problem in the U.S. A boat operator or even passengers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit run a significantly increased risk of being involved in a fatal boating accident. Alcohol was a contributing factor in just 6 percent of boating accidents overall, but figured in 16 percent of boating fatalities in the U.S. last year. When impaired by

alcohol, boating accidents are more probable and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators, many of whom capsize their vessel or simply fall overboard.

Operation Dry Water (ODW), 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 law enforcement officers on the water nationwide prior to the July 4th holiday to give BUI enforcement high visibility during the peak boating season.

“Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules,” says Lt. Linn.

“We want boaters to understand the added risks associated with BUI and to avoid drinking and boating.

“Unfortunately some boaters may face the consequences of boating under the influence. We will be diligent in educating boaters on both Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth here in Twin Lakes.”


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