As many people head to area lakes this holiday weekend, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife are joining other law enforcement agencies for Operation Dry Water, a national campaign promoting boater safety. The campaign, which began Friday and continues through Sunday, is an effort to educate the public about the dangers of boating under the influence.
If you are out on any of Kentucky’s lakes and rivers this weekend, you will see an increased law enforcement presence to serve as reminders for people not to boat impaired — the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Director Colonel Eric Gibson says the overall goal of the conservation officers is to make sure waterways are safe for families. He adds they will have enhanced patrols and increased vigilance for dangerous boaters on waterways across the state.
Governor Matt Bevin signed a new law earlier this year that gives conservation officers added authority to crack down on boating under the influence in Kentucky. The new law, which took effect last month, allows officers to make a boating under the influence arrest based on probable cause of operator intoxication when an accident has caused property damage or physical injury.
Officials say persons arrested for boating under the influence may be subject to 24 hours detention for a first offense and 48 hours for a second offense.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading contributor in fatal boating incidents nationwide and is cited as the leading factor in 19 percent of boating deaths across the country.
Operation Dry Water is an annual event coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and various other law enforcement agencies. Since its inception in 2009, officials indicate participating officers across the country have removed more than 3,500 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways during this event.
Colonel Gibson says they want everyone to enjoy Kentucky’s waterways over the holidays and throughout the summer but safety remains their top priority.
