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| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Operation Dry Water set to make a splash |
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PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Coast Guard, state and local law enforcement agencies will partner up Friday through Sunday as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide initiative to enforce boating under the influence. Operation Dry Water is an enforcement effort created by a partnership between the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Coast Guard. It is designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participating agencies include: --Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Northeast Region --Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, North Central Region --Brevard County Sheriff Office AG and Marine Unit --Brevard County Sheriff Office DUI Unit --Melbourne Police Department --Volusia County, Fla., Sheriff's Office The Coast Guard and participating agencies will be out in full force looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the national limit of 0.08 percent. "People understand the dangers of driving drunk; we want to stress the importance of boating under the influence," said Capt. Paul F. Thomas, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. "Our goal is to reduce the number of alcohol related fatalities. We want to raise awareness on BUIs." Boating under the influence is illegal in all 50 states. Boaters found to be boating under the influence can expect severe penalties, which include fines and possible arrest. BUI enforcement is just as important as highway patrol officers arresting drunk drivers. Recreational boating accidents are second only to highway accidents in the number of transportation fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry water, visit http://operationdrywater.org.
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### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future. |
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