June 23, 2009

Markell Announces That Delaware Has Joined Operation Dry Water

Enforcement of boating under the influence laws to be stepped up

DOVER - Recreational boaters in Delaware waters may want to think twice before reaching for that cold beer. From Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, as part of Operation Dry Water, a national boating under the influence enforcement initiative, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents will be conducting checkpoints along with increased patrols looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds Delaware’s legal limit of .08 percent.

“We want people to be safe and have fun while boating on Delaware’s great bodies of water,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Statistics show that alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. DNREC is going to have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Delaware waters.”
Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, as well as increasing fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – can intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications. Also, boating under the influence can be more dangerous than driving a land vehicle under the influence because most boaters typically have less experience and confidence operating a boat than a car.

The most recent United States Coast Guard statistics reveal that 21 percent - nearly a quarter - of all boating fatalities were the result of alcohol use. In addition, a boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.10 percent is 10 times more likely to die in a boating accident than an operator with zero blood alcohol concentration.

“Delaware’s waterways are among the most beautiful recreational areas in the nation. However, drinking and boating do not mix,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “In recent years, we’ve had several fatalities related to boating under the influence. This year, with our participation in Operation Dry Water and a zero tolerance policy, we’re hoping to ensure the safety of our boaters and fishermen and avoid fatal accidents.”
Impaired boaters caught over the weekend can expect penalties including fines, loss of boating privileges and possible jail time, on top of putting themselves and family and friends who are passengers at risk.
“While most Delawareans and visitors enjoy our waterways lawfully, we will be making arrests this weekend for boating under the influence, and violators will face the consequences,” said DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Chief James Graybeal. “But we would much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they’re never coming back.”

Last year in Delaware, two boat operators were killed and two passengers were injured in alcohol and drug-related accidents. In the first, on a clear, sunny afternoon in August, a jet ski collided with a fishing boat in Indian River, killing its operator and seriously injuring the passenger. In the second, two out-of-state residents were headed home about 11 p.m. on an October evening when their 25-foot boat struck the C&D Canal jetty, killing the operator and injuring the passenger. This year so far, no boating fatalities have occurred in Delaware.

Most boating accidents are preventable, Graybeal added, noting that drinking while boating is a choice, and the best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat. Also, if alcohol is going to be consumed, boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard.

Operation Dry Water is part of a national coordinated initiative aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related boating accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water. Sixty-five agencies in 47 states and U.S. territories are partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard to participate in Operation Dry Water. For more information, visit http://www.operationdrywater.org/ .