Operation Dry Water underway as Oregon officials warn against boating under the influence

(KTVZ) -- The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with marine law enforcement across the state, will participate in Operation Dry Water from July 3 through July 5.

This nationally coordinated effort aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants.

Boating under the influence of intoxicants, or BUII, includes the consumption of prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants or marijuana, or any combination of these that impairs a person's ability to safely operate a boat.

The effects of drugs and alcohol are amplified on the water due to combined environmental stressors such as sun glare, wind, wave motion and other factors. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, which can increase the risk of drowning if a person is suddenly immersed in cold water, especially without wearing a life jacket.

Impaired boaters face serious penalties following a conviction. Consequences can include possible jail time, a $6,250 fine and the loss of boating privileges.

Marine officers have the legal authority to obtain blood, breath or urine samples if a boater fails field sobriety tests.

An impaired boat driver who retrieves a boat from the water onto a boat trailer could also face charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

For this year, the most common factors contributing to boating fatalities have been not wearing a life jacket, falling overboard and alcohol consumption.

Boaters are encouraged to call 911 to file a report if they observe an impaired operator or someone operating a boat in a way that threatens others' safety. When reporting, it is helpful to remember the boat type and characteristics, the number of passengers, a description of the observed behavior, the nearest boat ramp and, if possible, the boat's registration number or letters at the bow.