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News Release

Operation Dry Water: Boating Under the Influence Enforcement Effort This Weekend

Virginia boaters, take note that this weekend, June 26-28, Conservation Police Officers with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Marine Police with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission will be patrolling Virginia's waterways looking for boat operators with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

Boating under the influence is not only dangerous to watercraft operators, but also to others who enjoy Virginia's waterways. Nationwide more than 20 percent of boating-related fatalities are a result of alcohol, drugs, and some medications. These substances can slow reaction times, impair vision, and lead to boating accidents.

Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Virginia. Penalties may include fines, jail, impoundment of boats, and loss of boating privileges.

Boaters should never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Designate an operator or leave the alcohol on shore.

In an effort to promote increased awareness of the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Timothy M. Kaine, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia has proclaimed June 26-28, 2009, as "Operation Dry Water" in the Commonwealth. Governor Kaine asks all the citizens of Virginia to support programs and policies that help reduce the incidence of impaired boating, to promote safer and healthier behavior regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs and to provide opportunities for all to participate in and enjoy a safe recreational boating season this year.

For more information about Operation Dry Water and boating laws in Virginia visit www.dgif.virginia.gov.

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Background on Operation Dry Water

Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related recreational boating accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

This nationwide effort is being coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) working in concert with the states, the United States Coast Guard, and other partner agencies across the country.

The participation by Virginia and the Governor's recognition of our participation through his proclamation is a strong acknowledgement of that part of the agency's mission to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating. To view a copy of the Governor's Proclamation go to www.dgif.virginia.gov.

Approximately 130 DGIF Conservation Police Officers will be patrolling the waterways in the Commonwealth during this weekend and will be conducting BUI focused enforcement, saturation patrols, chemical (breath) tests, checkpoints, and educational efforts.

Curbing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities is a key to achieving safer and more enjoyable recreational boating. In 2007, Coast Guard statistics indicate that 21% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. On average, Virginia has about 135 recreational boating accidents annually, with about 20 fatalities.

The Department's key messages to recreational boaters are: Always Wear a Life Jacket, Do Not Mix Alcohol and Boating, and Take a Safe Boating Course. Our ultimate goal is for recreational boaters to Be Safe... Be Responsible... And Have Fun!!