Statewide ‘Operation Dry Water’ yields 2 BUII arrests

On June 24 -26, 26 six county marine patrol units and the Oregon State Police from across the state participated in a nationwide program called “Operation Dry Water” to target enforcement efforts and get impaired boaters off the water.

On June 25 , marine officers reported 793 hours on the water and contacted 1084 boats (397 motorized and 687 non-motorized). They issued 81 warnings to motorized boaters and 40 to non-motorized boaters and 63 boating citations (53 motorized, 10 non-motorized).

They also conducted 20 standardized field sobriety tests on motorized boat operators, leading to two BUII arrests. Columbia County marine officers arrested one individual for alcohol and marijuana impairment, and a Klamath County marine officer arrested one individual for alcohol impairment.

No significant boating accidents were reported during the operation. Oregon law requires boaters to report boating accidents with property damage exceeding $2000, and any involving an injury, fatality or total loss of a vessel.

“The public is our ally in safe boating, said Randy Henry, Boating Safety Manager for the Marine Board. “If you see an impaired operator or someone who is operating in a way that threatens others’ safety, call 911 and report it. The vast majority of marine officer contacts are educational in nature, but if someone is impaired by alcohol, marijuana or any other drug, they will be arrested and will face the consequences. That’s how we can all save lives.”

Boaters can also report violators directly to the Marine Board using a fillable form that formats for mobile devices at http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/forms-library/Pages/Report-a-Boater.aspx .

Always boat sober.