Coast Guard Station Sand Key Enforces BUI Laws And Boating Safety During Upcoming Labor Day Weekend
***Media Availability***

 **Editor's Note: Media interested in getting underway are asked to arrive at Coast Guard Station Sand Key, located at 1375 Gulf Blvd., in Clearwater, Fla., no later than 9:30 a.m. Thursday.  Please contact PA3 Sondra-Kay Kneen at 305-965-4672 with any questions or concerns.**

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and Coast Guard Station Sand Key, in Clearwater, would like to invite media to get underway Thursday at 9:30 a.m., to see the Coast Guard in action.  Coast Guard Station Sand Key crewmembers will be boarding vessels in the Gulf of Mexico to enforce BUI laws and safety regulations.

Florida has strict penalties for violating BUI laws.  Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.  When the Coast Guard determines that an operator is impaired, the voyage may be terminated, the vessel may be docked by the Coast Guard or handed over to a competent and sober person aboard.  Depending on the circumstances, the Coast Guard may arrest the operator, detain the operator until sober, or turn the operator over to state or local authorities.  In addition, Coast Guard boarding officers may issue a "ticket" to the operator fining up to $1000.00 for a BUI.

Law-enforcement officials and boating-safety experts have several recommendations for those interested in becoming safer boaters.

•  Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. - It is ILLEGAL to operate a boat - any boat, from a canoe, rowboat and kayak to the largest vessel - under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Wear a life jacket. - The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of boating fatality victims.
• Take a safe-boating course. - You will learn how to file a float plan, (inform someone when and where you will be on the water and when you are supposed to be back, who you are going off with and what equipment you have onboard your vessel) how to maintain your boat, casting off, docking, anchoring and much, much more.
• Get a free vessel check. - It is your best way to learn about potential problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws, or worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water.

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