PAGE 12 - June 29, 2011
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
FWC year, 17 people died fromOperation Dry Water
Enforcing boating accidents related to alcohol and drug use
Last
in Florida. “Alcohol- and drug-related boating accidents are preventable,” said Capt. Tom
Shipp, of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “Even one death is too many.”
That is why law enforcement agencies around the state and country are participating in
“Operation Dry Water” this weekend. This nationwide public-education effort is designed
to prevent alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. FWC officers, along with local law en-
forcement and the U.S. Coast Guard, will crack down on boating under the influence (BUI)
violations.
“While our officers always look for BUIs,” Shipp said, “this weekend, they are
making a special effort to stop this dangerous activity.”
2009 was the inaugural year for this effort, and the program’s effectiveness made repeat-
ing it worthwhile. Last year, agencies in all 50 states and six U.S. territories participated,
interacting with more than 60,000 boaters and taking 322 impaired operators off the water
before they could kill or injure themselves or someone else. The FWC alone arrested 12
boaters for BUI.
“We know that increased officer effort reduces boating accidents and saves lives.
Saving lives is what ‘Operation Dry Water’ is really all about,” Shipp said.
The FWC reminds boaters to be careful this weekend. Boaters who have had too much to
drink or who are impaired by drugs are a great danger to the boating public.
“Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a boat operator’s vision and reaction
time,” Shipp said. “Sun, wind, fatigue and other conditions can intensify the effects alcohol
or drugs have on a boater.”
Intoxicated boaters are also susceptible to injuries or falling overboard because
of impaired coordination and balance. “If you’re caught boating under the influence, you
may be fined and jailed, your boat may seized, and you could lose your boating privileges,”
Shipp said. “But most importantly, you are risking your life, the lives of your passengers
and the lives of other people out on the water.”
The FWC reminds boaters that they are responsible for making decisions that keep
themselves and others safe.
“We want everyone to have a great time and stay safe on the water,” Shipp said.
Rob (12 yr old) ,His father Rick Kelly and Uncle Jim Kelly and friends Billy Grant and Casey
“Carelessly choosing to operate a boat while impaired is a decision that can result in a tragic
Karppe. Rob Caught this 5lb trout on shrimp and the others each caught their one redfish limit
ending to an otherwise wonderful day on the water.”
last Saturday. They are all from Dade City. The fish were caught at Porpoise Point.
Captains Photo
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