DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – As the July 4th holiday approaches, millions of boaters from across the country will convene on our nation’s waterways. With the increased public presence on the water, there is also an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time. From July 1 – 3, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend. Participating law enforcement agencies will be focused on educating boaters about safe boating practices across the country, which includes sober boating. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater fatalities. In the days leading up to the July 4th holiday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers. Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols both on the water. The priority during this holiday weekend is to provide boaters with a safe and enjoyable experience by removing dangerous and impaired boaters from the waterways. “Boating while impaired continues to be a problem on our nation’s waterways,” says Lt. Brad O’Dell. “As law enforcement, it is our duty to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers, and anyone enjoying our waterways have a safe place to spend their time. The tragedies that result from these boating under the influence incidents are 100% preventable. That is why the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is joining hundreds of agencies nationwide to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence.” Whether you’re at the helm of the vessel or a passenger on board, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is equally dangerous. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death, and legal consequences. In Oregon, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. The Sheriff’s Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water. Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign with the purpose of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Visit operationdrywater.org for more information about boating under the influence.
