NEVADA CITY, CA – As boating traffic increases over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) will increase on-the-water patrols and enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence (BUI). From July 3–5, deputies will take part in the initiative in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.2 As part of Operation Dry Water, NCSO will focus on public education, compliance checks, and enforcement efforts designed to identify and remove impaired vessel operators from the water. Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence at lakes throughout the region.
“Boating under the influence is just as dangerous as impaired driving and can quickly turn a day on the water into a tragedy,” explained NCSO Sergeant Dustin Moe, who is spearheading the initiative. “Through proactive patrols, education, and enforcement, our goal is to reduce incidents and fatalities on the water.”
In California, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal and can result in arrest, fines, and other legal consequences, as well as serious or fatal injuries. NCSO urges boaters to always boat sober and utilize a life jacket when on or near water.
Beyond the Fourth of July weekend, NCSO deputies maintain a strong presence on local lakes throughout the summer, increasing patrols on most weekends to promote safe and responsible boating.
Visit operationdrywater.org for more information about boating under the influence.