Operation Dry Water Weekend, June 24-26

Operation Dry Water

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be participating in Operation Dry Water, June 24-26. Operation Dry Water is a national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) education and enforcement directed toward reducing alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities.

Operation Dry Water is held during the weekend prior to the July 4th holiday to give BUI enforcement high visibility during the peak boating season. The TWRA is teaming with the U.S. Coast Guard and the State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Operation Dry Water is being held for the third year after being launched by the NASBLA in 2009.

TWRA boating officers will saturate high traffic areas on reservoirs across the state. Along with the use of life jackets and other safety practices, officers want boaters to be aware of the effects and ramifications of alcohol use. The TWRA will be intensifying efforts to detect and apprehend boat operators who are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We will make it a priority to apprehend intoxicated boat operators and educate the public on the dangers of drinking and operating a boat,” said Betsy Woods, TWRA Boating Education Coordinator. “We want everyone to enjoy their time on the water, be safe and remember to choose a designated boating operator if drinking is involved.”

Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

Statistics show that more than 20 percent of boating-related fatalities are a result of alcohol use. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

During the 2010 Operation Dry Water weekend, TWRA boating officers made 27 BUI arrests across the state. Officers also issued 127 other citations.