The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft was among a number of enforcement agencies that participated June 24-26 in a nationwide crackdown on impaired boating known as Operation Dry Water.

Ohio officers contacted 1,907 boaters and made eight arrests for boating while intoxicated. A total of 112 other alcohol and boating-related violations were issued in addition to 503 boating safety warnings. No boating-related fatalities were recorded during Operation Dry Water weekend in Ohio.

In 2010, state watercraft officers contacted 3,810 boaters and made 11 arrests for boating while intoxicated during the Operation Dry Water enforcement weekend. A total of 198 other alcohol and boating-related violations were issued in addition to 754 warnings. No boating-related fatalities were recorded during last year’s Operation Dry Water weekend in Ohio (June 25-27, 2010).

Alcohol is involved in about one of every three boating-related accidents on Ohio waterways. While state watercraft officers and local marine patrols are always on the lookout for impaired boat operators, Operation Dry Water (www.operationdrywater.org) is an organized national effort that focuses greater awareness of the need for boaters to boat smart, boat sober and make a commitment to staying safe on the water.

And it’s not just drunk boaters who are the focus of marine officers. Drug-impaired boating and drug-related arrests are more prevalent today on the nation’s waterways, which increases the risk to boating safety for all boaters. Operation Dry Water also seeks to remove boat operators who may be under the influence of drugs while boating as a means of enhancing waterway safety.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842