C.O. agencies to crack down on impaired boaters

Boating accidents are on the rise in Oregon, and with the Fourth of July weekend right around the corner, law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on people boating under the influence.

“Boating is like any other activity, it’s as safe as you make it,” Sgt. Nathan Garibay, emergency services manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday.

In 2015, Oregon logged 62 boating accidents. Last year, that number jumped to 82, many involving alcohol and marijuana, officials said. Now law enforcement agencies are teaming up for Operation Dry Water.

“We want people to be operating boats safe and sober,” Garibay said.

Officers will be looking for people boating under the influence of intoxicants and will have ramped-up patrols.

Some folks on the water Tuesday at Lake Billy Chinook said they are glad to see it.

“Oh, I think they should have more (patrols),” boater Chuck Hale said. ” In fact, I would pay extra money for day passes or whatever to police it better.”

Only the operator of the vessel can get cited for BUII, which includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications and anything else that could impair one’s ability to safely navigate the water.

In Oregon, the consequences of being convicted of BUII can include jail time, more than $6,000 in fines and the loss of boating privileges.

Garibay said many of the signs they look for on the water are the same as on the road.

“Reckless or careless conduct on the boat, and then obviously signs that we see when we make contact with them,” he said.

Marine officers can make arrests on observed impairment. Blood, breath or urine samples can also be taken if a boater fails a field sobriety test.

Operation Dry Water runs Friday through Sunday.

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org or the Oregon Marine Board’s Boating Safety Program at www.boatoregon.com.