|
|
|
|
|
Media Inquiries
614-265-6860 |
|
|
|
|
|
Jun
22
Written by:
news editor
6/22/2009 1:00 AM
06/22/09 ODNR Division of Watercraft is among a number of state waterways enforcement agencies participating in a special nationwide crackdown on drunk boating.
Ohio to Participate in National Waterways Enforcement Project
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is among a number of state waterways enforcement agencies participating June 26-28 in a special nationwide crackdown on drunk boating known as Operation Dry Water, www.operationdrywater.org.
"Alcohol is involved in nearly one of every three fatal boating accidents in Ohio," said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "This national enforcement effort will focus greater awareness of the need for boat operators to boat smart, boat sober and make a commitment to staying safe on the water."
Operation Dry Water is a coordinated effort led by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators encouraging state marine enforcement agencies, such as the ODNR Division of Watercraft, to join with the U.S. Coast Guard and other local law enforcement agencies in the removal of alcohol and drug-impaired boaters from public waterways. Additionally, this specialized enforcement effort seeks to create increased public awareness of the importance of curbing alcohol-related boating accidents and fatalities.
In Ohio, as many as 75 state watercraft officers and supervisors will participate in Operation Dry Water in addition to the U.S. Coast Guard and several local marine patrol units. These efforts will be focused on inland waterways that attract the largest numbers of recreational boaters in addition to Lake Erie and the Ohio River.
The Division of Watercraft says that reducing the number of alcohol-related boating accidents and fatalities is key to further improving waterways safety. In 2008, 5 of Ohio's 15 boating-related deaths were attributed to alcohol use. In 2009, 2 of 4 boating-related deaths were attributed to alcohol. In 2008, state watercraft officers made 77 arrests for operating a boat while intoxicated and made an additional 143 alcohol-related arrests.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-
For further information, contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Tags:
|
|
|