FWC Northwest Region reports Operation Dry Water BUI detection and boating enforcement results
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement along with other law enforcement partners participated in Operation Dry Water’s heightened enforcement weekend July 4-6. With the Fourth of July falling on a Thursday this year the heightened patrol efforts extended through Sunday, July 7.
ODW is a year-round national effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of Boating Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs and their mission is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
The Northwest Region of the FWC DLE includes 16 counties encompassing Escambia County to Jefferson County. The region’s officers and staff were proactive in getting boating safety messaging out to the public prior to the holiday and they continued educating the public while remaining on the lookout for reckless or impaired operators during the popular Fourth of July boating weekend.
Between July 4-7, FWC officers in the Northwest Region cited 131 vessel operators for boating safety violations, issued 631 boating safety warnings and removed nine vessel operators from the water for BUI. The highest Blood Alcohol Content reported was .19. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle. Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, which can lead to serious injuries and consequences. Statewide, over 50 vessel operators were removed from the waterways of Florida for BUI during the heightened enforcement and holiday weekend.
“Boating under the influence can be a fatal decision,” said Maj. Robby Creech, Northwest Regional Commander. “We know boating activity and alcohol consumption increase over the Fourth of July holiday and our officers were proud to partner with the Operation Dry Water Campaign by putting in the extra hours, increasing their patrol, educating the public and potentially saving lives. At the end of the day, the safety of the residents and visitors in Florida is what it’s all about.”
The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family but to do so safely and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock. More information about boating and boating regulations in Florida can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and boaters can learn more about boating under the influence and the Operation Dry Water campaign by visiting OperationDryWater.org.
To report dangerous boating activity the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922). Additionally, there is an easy-to-use downloadable iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”
Author: Sowal Editor
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