The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be participating in Operation Dry Water as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence (BUI). The mission of Operation Dry Water also brings awareness and education to recreational boaters about the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the water.
During the Operation Dry Water, being held the weekend of June 26-28, deputies will be out in force looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the state limit of .08%. This weekend will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests, and checkpoints as well as boater education. Impaired boaters can expect to be arrested or face other serious penalties.
“Public safety is our primary concern for boaters using the waterways within Los Angeles County. Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules,” says Sergeant Frank Ruiz. “You will see our deputies out on the water looking for boaters who are operating a vessel under the influence.”
Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be a major problem across the nation. U.S. Coast Guard data reveals that alcohol is the primary contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Intoxicated boat operators and passengers run a significantly increased risk of being involved in a fatal boating accident.
Operation Dry Water is a nationwide 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.
Operation Dry Water 2015 is a joint program of California State Department of Boating and Waterways, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard.
