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OPERATION DRY WATER
 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency participated 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. Operation Dry Water is being held for the third year after being launched in 2009.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports that officers made 31 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests and cited 16 operators for reckless/negligent operation statewide over the 2011 July 4th holiday.

There were no reported fatalities from boating accidents, however TWRA officers statewide responded to several drowning calls that were found to be swimming-related. There were a total of six reported property damage accidents and five reported serious injury accidents. The holiday period ran from 6 p.m., Friday, July 1 through midnight, Monday, July 4.

In 2010, there was one-related boating accident which resulted in a fatality. TWRA officers made 28 BUI arrests during the 2010 July 4th holiday period.

In 2011, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities, 34 serious injury accidents, and 29 reported property damage accidents. Officers have made 81 BUIs this year.

“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.