Operation Dry Water Patrols This Weekend by Bonney Lake Police

Information from Bonney Lake Police Department

The Bonney Lake Police Department and the Washington State Parks Boating Programs want your support by taking the pledge to NEVER operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the Operation Dry Water campaign on June 28-30.

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a national boating under the influence (BUI) campaign developed by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard. Now in its fifth year, ODW partners with the recreational boaters, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to bring attention to the dangers of drinking and boating. ODW encourages boaters to pledge to make wise decisions about alcohol use, and NEVER drink while boating.

The campaign focuses on preventing accidents, injuries and deaths resulting from people abusing alcohol or drugs while operating boats. The 2012 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics stated that, alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 1; 7 percent of deaths. According to Washington State Parks Boating Programs, between 2007 and 2013, at least 36 people died in reportable boating accidents where alcohol use was a contributing factor.

Boaters that would like to show their support for the campaign can Take the Pledge to NEVER boat under the influence through the Operation Dry Water website at www.operationdrywater.org under the “Boaters” section. Boaters that choose to take the pledge are dedicating to stay safe and sober while boating. The site also provides information tailored specifically for the boating public including BUI fast facts, social media information, an impairment chart estimator, and other information on the dangers of boating under the influence.

The Washington State Parks Boating Safety Program is a leader in boating safety and environmental education and outreach, with the purpose of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of Washington waterways, and keeping recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime.

For more information on boating regulations, visit www.boat.wa.gov

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 83 million American boaters.

The Bonney Lake Police Department Marine Unit will be extremely active on Lake Tapps this weekend looking for boat operators under the influence.  We invite any media outlet to contact us if you would like to observe our participation in Operation Dry Water.  Please help us spread the word of safe boating and never boating under the influence.