Additional Clark County Sheriff’s marine patrol officers will be on the water this Friday through Sunday as part of Operation Dry Water, a national effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence.
“As with drinking and driving, boating while intoxicated is illegal and dangerous,” according to a news release from Sheriff Garry Lucas. “Marine deputies will be watching for boaters operating a vessel recklessly or under the influence. We practice a zero tolerance enforcement policy for vessel operation (BUI) while impaired.”
Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to 2013 data from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Extra marine patrols for Operation Dry Water are funded through the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
For more information, visit http://www.boat.wa.gov or http://www.operationdrywater.org.