KANSAS CITY, Mo. — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District lakes and reservoirs will partner with law enforcement officers on heightened alert for those violating boating under the influence laws during the annual Operation Dry Water weekend, June 26-28. Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated heightened awareness and enforcement campaign focused on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths nationally and boating under the influence accounts for approximately 25 percent of boating-related fatalities on lakes in the Kansas City District,” said Heath Kruger, a natural resources management specialist at Melvern Lake. “If a boat operator is driving under the influence, the voyage may be terminated, the boat impounded or the operator arrested.”
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, coordinates Operation Dry Water annually. Since its inception in 2009, boating fatalities with alcohol named as a contributing factor decreased 3 percent nationwide, according to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics.
Boaters should be aware of the impact of environmental stressors such as wind, noise, and the movement of the boat while on the water. These all intensify the effects of alcohol or drug use on an individual while boating causing them to become impaired more quickly on the water than on land.
Driving a boat with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is against federal law. Persons found to be boating under the influence can expect to incur severe penalties, which vary by state, but could include:
· Termination of voyage
· Arrest of driver
· Fines
· Jail time
· Boat impoundment
· Loss of driving privileges
“We hope visitors make it out to the lakes and reservoirs this weekend and take the opportunity to learn from all participating agencies who work hard to keep area lakes safe,” said Kruger. “The ultimate goal of Operation Dry Water is to achieve a safer and more enjoyable recreational boating season each and every year.”
For additional information about Operation Dry Water and boating safety, visit the Operation Dry Water website and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Safety page.
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