Beech Tree News Network

“Operation Dry Water” campaign focuses on impaired boating

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FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will step up patrols on Kentucky’s waterways during the upcoming Independence Day weekend, working to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and responsible boating experience.

The increased patrols July 3-5 are part of “Operation Dry Water,” a nationwide boating safety initiative that brings together Kentucky game wardens and law enforcement agencies to increase awareness, enforce boating laws and reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, balance, vision and reaction time for both boat operators and passengers. Environmental factors like sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion can worsen these effects and increase fatigue. Boaters are encouraged to stay sober and vigilant to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water.

“All boating encounters, such as meeting and overtaking of vessels and obstacle avoidance, require time to perceive, evaluate, decide and act,” said Capt. Jerrod Alley, the Kentucky boating law administrator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “Intoxicants of any type slow each of those steps. An intoxicated operator is not an effective operator and, unfortunately, often only becomes aware of a dangerous situation after an incident occurs. Our goals as wardens are to educate the public, recognize dangerous actions on the waters and address those actions to prevent property damage, injury and death.”

In addition to making sure there is a sober boat operator, boaters should also check that all safety equipment is on board, in good condition and easy to access. Many boating accidents become fatal when people fall overboard without wearing a flotation device.

Boaters can learn more about boating laws in the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, the regulations summary booklet, available online at fw.ky.gov and wherever licenses are sold, or at “Operation Dry Water.”

For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency assistance call 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378) or contact a local law enforcement agency or nearest Kentucky State Police post. Marine channel 16 can be used to contact a local marina.

“Operation Dry Water” is an annual effort coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies.