Jun
29
Written by:
news editor
6/29/2009 1:00 AM
06/29/09 ODNR Division of Watercraft reported its weekend enforcement effort, known as Operation Dry Water, was a success.
Operation Dry Water Results Called a Success in Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft reported its weekend enforcement effort, known as Operation Dry Water, to get alcohol-impaired boaters off state waterways was a success.
Approximately 75 state watercraft officers were joined by U.S. Coast Guard and local marine patrol officers, June 26-28, in increased waterway patrols on Ohio's most popular waterways to target boaters impaired by alcohol and drugs.
The ODNR Division of Watercraft on Monday reported that no boater fatalities or major critical boating incidents occurred on state waterways over the weekend. Additionally, the Division of Watercraft reported it had made 12 arrests of boaters who were intoxicated while operating a boat, two drug-related arrests and issued more than 100 citations for other alcohol and boating-related violations statewide during the special enforcement effort. Officers made contacts with more than 1,500 boaters statewide.
"Alcohol is involved in nearly one of every three fatal boating accidents in Ohio," said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "The purpose of this national enforcement effort was to focus greater awareness of the need for boat operators to boat smart, boat sober and make a commitment to staying safe on the water."
Watercraft officers will continue their stepped up enforcement of alcohol-impaired and other boating rules this weekend as the July 4th holiday weekend is expected to be the busiest boating weekend of the year. Boat operators are considered legally impaired by alcohol consumption if their blood alcohol content is .08 percent or higher, similar to Ohio's motor vehicle laws.
The Division of Watercraft says that reducing the number of alcohol-related boating accidents and fatalities is essential to further improving waterways safety. In 2008, 5 of Ohio's 15 boating-related deaths were attributed to alcohol use. In 2009, 2 of 5 boating-related deaths were attributed to alcohol.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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