Bad enough that we're taking lives by drinking and driving on the roadways across the United States, but boating while intoxicated has become a growing problem as well.
As a result, state police across the nation are taking part in a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI). The effort has been dubbed Operation Dry Water and will include troopers who will be conducting BUI patrols and also assisting the Coast Guard, who will begin conducting its own independent patrols specific to BUI.
Operation Dry Water has launched a website as part of the awareness effort that urges visitors to: "Join Operation Dry Water and help spread the word about the dangers of boating under the influence. Alcohol is responsible for 16 percent of boating fatalities, making it the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths."
The site's pledge further asks boaters to, "Show your support of a safer and more enjoyable boating experience by pledging to NEVER boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Then take the time to share the pledge with others, and with your help, we can put a stop to boating under the influence!"
In a press release the initiative's organizers recently sent out, John Fetterman, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) deputy executive director, explained, "The mission of Operation Dry Water and the law enforcement officers who participate is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related deaths on the water. Boating should be a fun and enjoyable time spent with friends and family; we are asking that boaters make sure their voyage remains enjoyable by boating sober. Too many accidents and deaths are caused by those who choose to boat under the influence."
There has been an increasing effort to combat the problem of BUI over the last few years and it is seeing some solid results.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard in its 2013 Recreational Boating Statistics, from 2009 to 2013 there has been a 37 percent decrease in the number of recreational boater deaths where alcohol use was listed as the known primary contributing factor. From 2012 to 2013, the number of alcohol-related recreational boater deaths saw a 31 percent decrease -- the most significant decrease in the past five years.
