Coast Guard to target drunken boaters this weekend

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Pacificcoast101

Member
As is the case with drivers, boaters shouldn't take the wheel after drinking alcohol, the U.S. Coast Guard warned Tuesday.

Marine law enforcement officers across the country will conduct "Operation Dry Water" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to seek out boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Authorities will increase patrols, conduct breathalyzer tests and educate boaters about the dangers of drinking while operating their vessels.

Boaters found to be impaired could face severe penalties, Coast Guard officials said.

Authorities arrested 322 people and issued 4,171 citations last year during the nationwide operation.
 
there's been lots of talk in my neck of the woods regarding this subject as well. i'm not sure if it's revenue enhancement or if there's actually a problem with operating while intoxicated. personally i can't recall when i last witnessed an intoxicated boater.
pat
 
There have been three deaths in the Rappahannock in the past few months. In each case, alcohol was involved. In the last one, a 25' Grady White hit a marker first at high speed and then t-boned into a bulkhead at a marina at about 35 knots. Both persons on board were killed.

It's as much of a problem as DWI on the highway, maybe more so because of the "fun" aspect.

They are enforcing heavily this weekend all over VA and MD, not just Coast Guard but all LE agencies.

Charlie
"to have a safe and sane 4th, don't buy a 5th on the 3rd"... :roll:
 
We were boarded by the CG today during our cruise. The procedure wasn't onerous and neither of us happen to drink, but the officer in charge made special mention of this alcohol enforcement program. It would no doubt be worthwhile to find out exactly what the rules are for open/empty containers, etc. Best, Mike.
 
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