PWC Police to step up enforcement of no driving a boat under the influence laws June 30-July 2

Prince William County Police Department reminds residents that it will conduct heightened awareness and enforcement of laws on boating under the influence this weekend, June 30-July 2. The Department’s Marine Unit will be participating in awareness and enforcement as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign. 

Boaters will notice an increase in police officers on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints such as Leesylvania State Park. The goal is to remove impaired operators, thus providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters this holiday season.

Did you know?: 

• Alcohol use is a leading contributing factor in boating accidents, along with operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, and excessive speed.

• The number of fatalities where alcohol use was listed as the primary contributing factor decreased from 2015 to 2016, but remains the primary contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.

• In boating accidents related to alcohol use, the majority of accidents (53 percent) involved open motorboats. 

• Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.

• Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.

• July recorded the highest number of recreational boater accidents and deaths in 2016. The second highest was June.

• Alcohol consumption is also dangerous for passengers. Intoxication can lead to slips, falls overboard and other dangerous accidents.

For more information, go to http://www.operationdrywater.org .

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