| Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment |
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| News Release |
Date: June 24, 2009 Contact: PA1 Allyson Conroy |
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Coast Guard participates in Operaton Dry Water SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to take part in a nation-wide operation to educate the boating public about boating under the influence during the weekend of June 26-28. Coast Guard Sector San Diego will be taking part in Operation Dry Water. This is an enforcement effort designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The goal is to promote a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol on the water. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is illegal in all 50 states and territories. During this weekend, there will be an increased number of checkpoints on the water to identify intoxicated boaters, and to enforce boating under the influence laws. Coast Guard statistics show that in 2007, 21 percent of deaths from recreational boating accidents involved the use of alcohol. The Coast Guard is committed to reducing the number of alcohol related incidents. “Boaters should be educated about BUIs for the same reason operators of motor vehicles should be aware of the legal limits while driving,” Petty Officer Third Class Joshua Boyteck of Station San Diego said. “These limits are the same for boaters: [blood alcohol level of] .08, which is about one drink for an average-sized person.” Just as for drivers of motor vehicles, alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can cause a person to be sleepier and become more susceptible to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which are all common “stressors” of the boating environment, intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications. As a result of various campaigns and educating the public, the numbers of deaths, injuries and accidents on the water resulting from alcohol has been decreasing. In 1998 there were 704 alcohol-related boating accidents. In 2007 the number came down to 421. Despite this trend, alcohol use is still the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. As the summer steps into high gear, the Coast Guard would like to remind boaters that alcohol and boating does not mix. Please be safe on the water as you would be safe on land. EDITOR'S NOTE: Please click on the link below for video imager with audio of the release above. Please click on the link below for visual only ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
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