Operation Dry Water

operation dry water participation map Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

Coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators - working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies - Operation Dry Water will directly address the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan Strategy 6.2, …increase the number of BUI checkpoints to collect and report BUI and safety compliance data in the Performance Report Part II AND Strategy 6.6 Challenge law enforcement officials to test more operators for alcohol/drug use in accident investigations.

Curbing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities is a key to achieving safer and more enjoyable recreational boating. In 2007, Coast Guard statistics indicate that 21% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. This continues an upward trend in the percentage of fatalities where alcohol was the primary cause of the accident.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

When is it?

The weekend of June 26-28, 2009

Who is coordinating this?

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies, is coordinating this event.

What does my agency need to do to participate?

Participating agencies are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted weekend. This can be done by focusing on a particular body of water, by increasing patrols in several locations, by conducting BUI checkpoints in one or more locations or by a combination of these activities. Agencies are also asked to work with their local media to make the public aware of the event and the hazards of boating under the influence.

Is there any funding for this?

There is no additional funding for agencies to participate in Operation Dry Water. However, this is an allowable law enforcement and outreach expense in recreational boating safety state grants. The Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety has agreed to provide funding assistance for communication and outreach efforts. NASBLA is seeking a nonprofit grant to mount the campaign again in 2010.

What kind of support is available?

Working with the Coast Guard and PCI, a communications firm, NASBLA is developing this website, an electronic press kit, radio public service announcements, an electronic newsletter and a national media wire release. A BUI Checkpoint Plan of Operations has been developed by NASBLA’s Enforcement & Training Committee and will also be available. Agencies will be encouraged to share ideas and information as well.

What’s next?

Agencies should:

save the date of June 26-28, 2009 and make plans for their increased BUI efforts that weekend;
let NASBLA know that you will be an Operation Dry Water participating agency by emailing Ron Sarver ron@nasbla.org;

Join the cause – add Operation Dry Water to your Facebook profile.

Click here to download the Operation Dry Water Newsletter.

A list of Operation Dry Water participating organizations can be downloaded here. PDF

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is dangerous and illegal. Over 20%
of fatal boating accidents are a result of alcohol use. Penalties may
include fines, jail, impoundment of boats and loss of boating and/or
driving privileges.

Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction
time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of
cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion –
"stressors" common to the boating environment – intensify the effects
of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

Operating a recreational vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08%
or higher is against most state and federal laws. The vessel's voyage
will be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be
arrested.

Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of BUI
detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-
related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more
visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

USCG NASBLA offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, the organization affects the lives of over 83 million American boaters. To learn more about how NASBLA continues to make the waterways safe, secure and enjoyable, visit www.nasbla.org.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

The U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division (CG-5422) is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries and property damage that occur on U.S. waterways by improving the knowledge, skills and abilities of recreational boaters.