USCG announces stepped up BUI enforcement effort this coming weekend

This obviously won't be a problem for any QCYC members, but if we have any friends who might be less responsible about imbibing behind the helm or getting underway when sleeping it off would be more appropriate, those friends might be intersted in the following USCG press release:

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement and other state agencies including the Clatsop County Sherriff's Department and Washington Fish & Wildlife will patrol the waters of the Oregon and Washington coasts and rivers for intoxicated boaters Friday, June 25 thru Sunday, June 27.

The effort is part of Operation Dry Water, an initiative to inform boaters of the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol and to enforce laws concerning BUI and safe boating.

"Our aim is to allow people to enjoy the waterways as safely as possible," said Lt. j.g. Joe Miller, Recreational Boating Safety Officer at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria. 

During 2009's operation, 2,442 marine law enforcement officers across 46 states and five territories made contact with 17,454 recreational vessels and issued 5,320 boating safety warnings, 283 BUI citations and 1,127 citations for other violations. Fourteen arrests were made in the state of Oregon.  This year, all 56 states, trusts and territories are expected to participate, searching for boat operators whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the national limit of .08 percent.

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.  It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.  Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications. Authorities contend that this BUI crackdown is just as important to public safety as the enforcement of drunk driving laws.

View this document online
U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
13th District Public Information Site