Boaters are being warned by the Suffolk County sheriff against operating under the influence this holiday week as the sheriff’s office and the U.S. Coast Guard are teaming up on boating while intoxicated patrols on local waterways.
The joint patrols are part of the national BWI enforcement initiative known as “Operation Dry Water.”
The annual initiative dates back to 2009, and has since resulted in the removal of 3,038 intoxicated boat operators from the waterways nationwide. The campaign continues to make a significant impact on boater safety and spreading the message of the danger of boating under the influence, a press release from Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulan said.
“Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths and a major contributor to accidents,” the sheriff’s office said. “Boaters are encouraged to enjoy the boating season to its full extent by boating sober, wearing life jackets and taking a boater education course.”
Marine patrols, safety boardings and BWI enforcement will continue through the week and the remainder of the season, according to the press release.
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