Event aims to reduce BUI, June 26-28

Indiana DNR release:

Indiana is participating in Operation Dry Water, a coordinated national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing BUI, June 26-28.

Curbing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities is a key to achieving safer and more enjoyable recreational boating.

In 2007, U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicated that 21 percent of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use, which continued an upward trend in the percentage of fatalities where alcohol was the primary cause of the accident. In 2008 there were 55 boating accidents reported within Indiana. As a result of those accidents eight victims drowned while boating Hoosier waterways. Alcohol was believed to have been a major factor in a number of the accidents.

Indiana will increase BUI enforcement during the weekend by offering overtime to off- duty officers increasing patrols in several locations. The overtime would be paid through a grant from the Coast Guard.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) works with the states, the Coast Guard and other partner agencies to coordinate the event.

For more information on this program, see www.operationdrywater.org.