News Flash Home
The original item was published from 6/16/2014 11:28:00 AM to 6/30/2014 10:04:04 AM.

News Flash

News Releases

Posted on: June 16, 2014

[ARCHIVED] 14-035 Statewide law enforcement agencies to conduct on-the-water emphasis patrols

'Operation Dry Water' takes place June 27-29

Media contacts:
Toni Droscher (360) 902-8604
Lynn Satre (360) 902-8837
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388

OLYMPIA – June 16, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced today that marine law enforcement agencies in Washington state will participate in a national special emphasis campaign to target people who are operating boats while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Operation Dry Water campaign and emphasis patrols take place the weekend of June 27-29 throughout Washington and will focus on preventing injury and death in accidents resulting from boating under the influence (BUI). The planned weekend focus is aimed at raising awareness of the problem and getting impaired boat operators off the water by actively enforcing the law that prohibits using alcohol and drugs while operating a boat.

According to the Washington State Parks Boating Program, between 2004 and 2013, at least 64 people died in Washington state boating accidents where alcohol use was a contributing factor. Recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics report that boating under the influence is still the leading factor in fatal boating accidents, with 17 percent of boating fatalities a direct result of alcohol use by the operator.

“Boating under the influence is a serious problem that too often results in recreational boating fatalities,” said Hoyle Hodges, Washington State Parks’ spokesperson for Operation Dry Water. “We want everyone to have fun on the water, so this campaign is focused on zero tolerance for boat operators who are under the influence.”

Hodges said reducing the use of alcohol and drugs by boat operators is crucial to achieving a safer and more enjoyable environment for recreational boating.

“Boaters need to realize that alcohol can impair their judgment, balance, vision and reaction time,” Hodges said. “It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion—all common stressors in the boating environment—intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and even some prescription medications.”

All 56 states, trusts and territories of the U.S. are expected to join the Operation Dry Water effort. Boat operators may be cited if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds the state limit of .08. Currently, 30 Washington state, county and city marine law enforcement agencies are signed on for the effort. The first BUI special emphasis was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

During the June 2013 campaign, 169 Washington marine law enforcement officers made contact with 3,908 recreational boaters and issued 1,364 boating safety warnings, 6 BUI citations and 219 citations for other violations.

Authorities say that enforcing laws for operating a boat while under the influence is just as important to public safety as the enforcement of drunk driving laws.

For more information on the national Operation Dry Water campaign, visit www.operationdrywater.org

State Parks Boating Program
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime.

For more information on the Boating Program, visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) 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 association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications.

About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Follow Washington State Parks:

Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

-30-

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Releases

State Parks Commission to meet in Lacey

Posted on: January 18, 2023

State Parks is hiring 305 park aides

Posted on: January 17, 2023

State Parks Commission to meet in Chelan

Posted on: November 8, 2022

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 13, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Pullman

Posted on: September 13, 2022

State Parks expands Beacon Rock

Posted on: June 15, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Kalama

Posted on: November 30, 2021

State parks launches new online store

Posted on: November 29, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this season

Posted on: October 5, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet in Richland

Posted on: September 3, 2021

Next Discover Pass free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 12, 2021

State Parks launches gift cards

Posted on: June 2, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this fall

Posted on: March 18, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: January 20, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: November 10, 2020

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Oct. 10

Posted on: September 28, 2020

State Parks announces free days for 2021

Posted on: September 22, 2020

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: September 10, 2020

State Parks prohibits campfires statewide

Posted on: September 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 18, 2020

State parks seek volunteers for 2020

Posted on: December 11, 2019

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 21, 2019

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2019

Sept. 28 is next State Parks free day

Posted on: September 9, 2019

Riverside State Park adds cabins

Posted on: August 20, 2019

State Parks announces free day March 19

Posted on: February 25, 2019

Help improve safety on Willapa Hills Trail

Posted on: November 21, 2018

2019 State Parks Calendar on sale now

Posted on: November 15, 2018

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 30, 2018

State Parks announces 2019 free days

Posted on: October 17, 2018

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 8, 2018

History comes alive at Sacajawea State Park

Posted on: September 12, 2018

Celebrate autumn at Lake Sylvia State Park

Posted on: September 4, 2018