NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Units across Connecticut and Long Island New York are scheduled to participate in Operation Dry Water (ODW) June 26-28, 2015, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence (BUI).
Operation Dry Water is a year-round nationally coordinated heightened awareness and enforcement campaign, focused on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
During ODW, Coast Guard boarding officers will be focusing their efforts on detecting impaired boaters and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence.
Boating under the influence continues to be a major problem nationwide. In 2014, alcohol use was the primary factor in nearly one-fourth of boater deaths.
By participating in ODW, Station New York is promoting safe recreational boating in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to alcohol or drug use.
In New York and Connecticut boaters whose blood alcohol content (BAC) level exceeds the state limit of .08 can expect to be arrested for BUI and face other serious penalties including having their vessel impounded, payment of fines, or jail time. ODW patrols will include increased patrols and breathalyzer tests as well as boater education and outreach.
Cmdr. Jonathan Theel, Response Department Head at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, who is responsible for the oversight of all Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue operations, mentions that, "The beauty of Long Island Sound and the south shore of Long Island makes it one of the largest recreational boating communities in the nation. As we enter the summer months we typically see a significant increase in boating activity, when compared to the winter. As you prepare to embark on the water to enjoy the weather, it is important to review all of your safe boating practices, including the responsible use of alcohol. Alcohol continues to be one of the primary contributing factors in a large percentage of boating accidents. It is important to be as safe and aware as possible in the maritime environment."
ODW is a joint program of the U.S. Coast Guard, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, Greenwich Police, Milford Police, Norwalk Police, Stonington Police, Stratford Police, New York State Police, Asharoken Police, Nassau County Police, New York State Park Police, Southampton Town Police, and Suffolk County Police.
For more information on Operation Dry Water, please visit operationdrywater.org. See a list of participating of agencies by state at http://www.operationdrywater.org/agencies.