The Barry County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting heightened enforcement targeting boating under the influence as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, a nationwide crackdown on boating under the influence

 

Operation Dry Water will take place June 29 - July 1, with the mission to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

 

“The accidents and tragedies that happen because individuals chose to drive drunk or impaired, on land or on the water, are preventable. The decision lies with the individual on whether they chose to operate a boat or vehicle while under the influence,” said Sheriff Dar Leaf. 

 

“As law enforcement, it is our job to do all we can to ensure the safety of our recreational boaters and paddlers. That is why the Barry County Sheriff’s Office has joined other states and agencies across the country to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing accidents related to boating under the influence,” he said.

 

Law enforcement will be focused on educating boaters about safe boating practices, which include boating sober, and enforcing the state’s boating under the influence laws. //

                                  

With the summer boating season underway, and the July 4^th holiday approaching, boaters are reminded that impaired boating is against the law.  Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Michigan it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC level of .08 or higher, the same as it is to operate a vehicle.

 

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths, and a major contributor to accidents. The sheriff’s office encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season to its full extent by boating sober, wearing a life jacket, and taking a boating education course.

 

Visit operationdrywater.org  for more information about boating under the influence.