Operation Dry Water weekend!

[PierBridge]

sorry nothing to do with the insane amount of rain we've had recently...

More for the guys that like to have a few beverages while boating. Better be extra careful this weekend!

Operation DRY Water

[PierBridge]

Minnesota’s Operation Dry Water part of nationwide effort to curb drunk boating

(Released June 20, 2011)

Looking forward to relaxing on the boat this weekend with that ice chest full of cold beer? Better think again. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers and county sheriff’s deputies will be participating in Operation Dry Water on June 24-26.

It is part of a national weekend of boating-under-the-influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities. A goal is to foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

The enforcement push will include boater education, and increased patrols looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the .08 limit.

“There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence,” said Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement Division director. “But we’d much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they’re never coming back.”

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which are “stressors” common to the boating environment, intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.

Thirty-percent of Minnesota boating fatalities in 2010 involved the use of alcohol. Impaired boaters who are caught can expect severe penalties, including heavy fines, loss of boat operating privileges and even jail time. Convictions go on a person’s auto driving record and insurance policy.

“We want people to have fun while boating,” Konrad said. “But BUI is a leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend that people avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while boating. We have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on Minnesota waters.”

Curbing the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities is key to achieving a safer and more enjoyable environment for recreational boating. Last summer, agencies and organizations from all 50 states and six U.S. territories participated in the Operation Dry Water weekend. During that three-day weekend there were 66,472 boaters contacted by law enforcement, 322 BUI arrests, and 4,171 citations and 7,522 warnings issued for safety violations. This included six BUI arrests in Minnesota.

This year, all states are expected to participate. In Minnesota, Operation Dry Water is a joint program of the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota county sheriffs’ offices, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard.

OPERATION DRY WATER 2011 FACT SHEET

■Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the United States Coast Guard. It has been a highly successful effort to draw public attention to the hazards of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) of alcohol and drugs. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has taken part in the program since its inception.

■Held in June just prior to the 4th of July holiday, Operation Dry Water is a national weekend of BUI detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities, and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

■Operation Dry Water is coordinated by NASBLA, in partnership with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies.

■In 2010, all 50 States and six U.S. Territories participated in Operation Dry Water. Over that three-day weekend there were 40,127 vessels and 66,472 boaters contacted by law enforcement, 322 BUI arrests made, and 4,171 citations and 7,522 warnings issued for safety violations. This includes six BUI arrests made in Minnesota.

About BUI:

■ In Minnesota, about 30 percent of fatal boating accidents have some alcohol involvement.

■Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher is against both federal and Minnesota law.

■Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.

■Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

■Alcohol consumption can result in an inner ear disturbance that can make it impossible for a person suddenly immersed in water to distinguish up from down.

■Impairment can be even more dangerous for boaters than for drivers, since most boaters have less experience and confidence operating a boat than they do driving a car. Minnesota boaters average only about 60 hours of boating per year.

■A three-year field evaluation by the Southern California Research Institute recently validated a battery of tests for marine use that are now the basis for efforts to implement a National Marine Field Sobriety Test standard.

■Combined with chemical tests using blood, breath and urine samples, these validated ashore and afloat tests give marine law enforcement officers an impressive arsenal in their ongoing efforts to enforce BUI laws.

■Persons found to be Boating Under the Influence can expect to incur severe penalties. If a boat operator is BUI, the voyage may be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be arrested. Penalties can include fines, jail time, loss of motorboat operating privileges, and under some circumstances, the forfeiture of the boat and trailer.

■In addition to the above penalties, persons who refuse testing will also be subject to a separate and more severe criminal charge for refusal and loss of their motorboat operating privileges for one year.

■Alcohol is also dangerous for passengers. Intoxication can lead to slips, falls overboard and other dangerous accidents.

■It is illegal in every state and territory to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Other Boating Safety Facts:

■Almost three-fourths of those who die in boating accidents drown; most of those who drown are not wearing a life jacket.[1]

■Boat operator instruction is a significant factor in avoiding and surviving accidents. Only 14 percent of fatalities in 2009 occurred on boats where the operator was known to have received boating safety instruction.[2]

1 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2009

2 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2009

[TooTallTom]

Good post, good program.

Thanks for looking out.

[mnguy152]

I was hopeing he was praying for a dry weather weekend

[Meat-Run]

I was hopeing he was praying for a dry weather weekend

I was thinking the same thing.

But seriosly I have to say this looks good but if there intentions are to really crack down on the BUI then why don't they do it during the 4th of July? It even states that they want to do it before the big holiday but nothing drives home the message when the CO's and Sherrifs cut you a ticket and toss you in jail with your speedo for the weekend....now that would send a message, just my .02.

mr

[TooTallTom]

I really don't know. Maybe they're trying to get it in before the shutdown. Maybe the thinking is to rap a few knuckles this weekend, so that the kids behave over the Fourth.

I also don't know how effective that would be as a deterrent, assuming it is the plan.

[ozzie]

"During that three-day weekend there were 66,472 boaters contacted by law enforcement, 322 BUI arrests, and 4,171 citations and 7,522 warnings issued for safety violations. This included six BUI arrests in Minnesota."

seems like alot of policing for the little amount that get nailed.....I think they would do alot better if they hit the right waters at the right time but then again they have to have reason to check I would think so it might be harder to catch a boater than a driver? I am under the impression if you don't give them reason they will leave you alone but if you are being loud and drawing attention to yourself then you will get nailed.........

[smallblockchev]

You guys are all right. It is and has been scheduled as the weekend before the 4th to try and curb some of the activities that the busy 4th of July brings.

Your also right that deputies and conservation officers can not stop a boat for no reason. Same as in a car except on a lake there are no center lines to cross and weaving is a regular occurence. Your best bet whether you are quietly enjoying yourself or have the tunes cranked is to designate a sober driver and be safe out there. I guarantee the deputies don't like working on a body recovery which often extend into several days nor do they enjoy seeing the impact it has on the families waiting on shore.

I think everybody should have fun on the water just be safe about it.

[LightningBG]

Your also right that deputies and conservation officers can not stop a boat for no reason. Same as in a car except on a lake there are no center lines to cross and weaving is a regular occurence. Your best bet whether you are quietly enjoying yourself or have the tunes cranked is to designate a sober driver and be safe out there. I guarantee the deputies don't like working on a body recovery which often extend into several days nor do they enjoy seeing the impact it has on the families waiting on shore.

Are you sure? I've been stopped multiple times over the years and they are checking for "life preservers". They also have checkpoints on snowmobile trails for DWI, but its not legal for autos.

[LightningBG]

Looks like you're correct. This is what the law states.

Quote:

86B.801 ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

(a) A sheriff or conservation officer may stop, inspect, and detain for a reasonable time a watercraft observed in violation of Minnesota Statutes or rules, and is empowered to issue a summons and complaint for violations of this chapter in the same manner as for violations of game and fish laws.

( As used in this subdivision, "inspect" does not mean the authority to board a watercraft.

Subd. 2.Enforcement duties.

The sheriff of each county and conservation officers shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.

But we all know the cops don't always follow the letter of the law. I've been stopped 10 times over my life and all they ever want to see is that we have enough life jackets and take a little gander at the bikinis on board.

[pulleye16]

You guys are all right. It is and has been scheduled as the weekend before the 4th to try and curb some of the activities that the busy 4th of July brings.

Your also right that deputies and conservation officers can not stop a boat for no reason. Same as in a car except on a lake there are no center lines to cross and weaving is a regular occurence. Your best bet whether you are quietly enjoying yourself or have the tunes cranked is to designate a sober driver and be safe out there. I guarantee the deputies don't like working on a body recovery which often extend into several days nor do they enjoy seeing the impact it has on the families waiting on shore.

I think everybody should have fun on the water just be safe about it.

Actually they don't have to have a reason like police do when driving a car. Fishing alone is a reason. And if your not fishing, they have every right to stop and check for life jackets, extigushers and so on for no reasons other then just being on the water.

Keep it safe...

[smallblockchev]

@ pulleye16

Unless you are talking about checking a boat that is already stopped otherwise I very much disagree that you can be stopped while driving across the lake just because you are on the water.

[mnguy152]

But we all know the cops don't always follow the letter of the law. I've been stopped 10 times over my life and all they ever want to see is that we have enough life jackets and take a little gander at the bikinis on board.

[mainbutter]

Actually they don't have to have a reason like police do when driving a car. Fishing alone is a reason. And if your not fishing, they have every right to stop and check for life jackets, extigushers and so on for no reasons other then just being on the water.

Keep it safe...

[Sonicrunch]

Hopefully not your bikini lol

lol

[herefish101]

I don't think the drunk people are the problem out there, it's these idiots that have to pull their tubes right between two other boats, nobody seem to know the right of way laws for boats now days. If you have to take atv safty classes, you have to pass a safty test to ride a snomobile but any hunyuck can jump in a boat and go. I agree with getting the drunks off the water, but the problems I see are the unexperianced/uneducated who have never picked up the boaters handbook.

[Down Deep]

Many time I see comments posted on FM that the CO's ought to be doing better things with their time. IMO doing BUI checks qualifies as excellent use of their time.

Over 30 years of boating in MN I have been inspected for safety three times. I was stopped dead in the water all three times while fishing. The only time I was stopped while under way was when I was driving a friends pontoon on a hot summer day and a couple of the kids were sitting on the deck in front of the gate. The CO didn't cite me he just informed me of the rule, checked that we all had a life jacket, checked for a current license sticker and reminded me that the driver of the boat shouldn't drink alcohol. He told us to have a great time swimming and left the scene.

[Shack]

322 intoxicated boat operators actually seems like a good amount. At least the odds are pretty good that you will cross paths with one of them, not to mention the ones they did not catch. I look at it as there are at least 322 lives saved and that to me is a good and sizable haul.

Drinking and boating have always given me more of a fear while on the water than when driving late at night on the roads. Any drinking and operating is a bad thing. At least drunk road drivers know to a point what they are doing is wrong and they most likely have past experience and records to show for it. I assume they at least gain some mental experice. Drunk boaters most likely have no clue and even sober have a narrow take on the MN boating regulations. I would bet most drinking and operating a boat would never drive a car drunk because of being taught so well not to do so and other social and financial reasons. There is a fear, but when in front of a tiller or on the right side of a craft behind a console, overs the years (years gone by now) this has been openly accepted as Gramps and Uncle were doing it and having the time of their lives back in '69. Hard to translate it out, but maybe due to relaxed laws from years ago and the open container thing, boating and drinking just seem more socially accepted even today than drinking and driving home from the bar. Which had and seen it's day but due to LEO's efforts over the last 30 years, at least grandma will step in if Uncle Joe is leaving X-Mas to drive home. Not so sure granma would step in if Uncle Joe wanted to take the grand kids for an evening run around the bay on the 4th after the same amount. Of course my grandma would't allow drinking to begin with because Uncle Joe ruined this at family functions back in the 70's.

[LightningBG]

322 intoxicated boat operators actually seems like a good amount. At least the odds are pretty good that you will cross paths with one of them, not to mention the ones they did not catch. I look at it as there are at least 322 lives saved and that to me is a good and sizable haul.

322 is a lot, but keep in mind, this is nationwide. Only 6 were in MN. Still 6 too many.

[Shack]

Oh? I thought it was state wide. I would figure Lake Havawhatever has 300+ in one bay alone.