Operation Dry Water: Emphasis patrols target boating under the influence June 29 to July 1, 2018
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Marine Enforcement reminds boaters to stay sober while boating
As part of a nationally coordinated effort, Operation Dry Water, state and local law enforcement agencies will be conducting boating-under-the-influence (BUI) emphasis patrols on waterways across Washington, from June 29 to July 1.
“Operating a boat while under the influence puts everyone on the water at risk,” said Deputy James Ebel Spokane County Marine Enforcement Coordinator. “Factors such as wind, sun, noise and a boat’s rocking movement amplify the effects of alcohol and drugs. Balance, vision, reaction time and decision-making skills decrease and the likelihood of an accident increases.”
“The Boating Program’s goal — and the goal of Operation Dry Water — is to educate boaters, about the laws regarding boating under the influence and the dangers of boating while drunk or high,” Deputy Ebel said.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating under the influence is the leading known contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. Last year in Washington state, alcohol and drugs were a primary factor in 44 percent of fatal boating accidents, and from 2006 to 2016, 57 deaths were attributed to boating under the influence.
In Washington state, it is illegal to use any substance that impairs a person’s ability to operate a boat. The law applies to all boats, including kayaks, canoes, rowboats and inflatable fishing rafts. State law allows law enforcement officers to require suspected intoxicated boaters to submit to a breath or blood test. Refusing to submit to a test is a civil infraction with a maximum fine of $2,050. The penalty for operating a boat under the influence is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail. Additionally, a BUI is considered a prior offense if there are later convictions for driving under the influence (DUI).
“Boat operators need to remember that other boaters and paddlers on the water depend on them to be alert and in control of their vessel at all times,” Deputy Ebel said.
Boaters can learn more about BUI laws in Washington State and about the risks of boating under the influence by visiting boatsober.org.
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About Operation Dry Water
Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug related boating accidents and fatalities. As part of the campaign, emphasis patrols are conducted annually near the Fourth of July, a holiday known for increased boating activities and use of alcohol, during which law enforcement sees an increase in the number of boating accidents and fatalities. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) coordinates Operation Dry Water in partnership with the Coast Guard, safety educators and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
