HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – As law enforcement steps up patrols on Michigan’s roads, there will be a heightened awareness and enforcement on the water too.
It’s called Operation Dry Water and the campaign is designed to keep boaters safe as alcohol use increases of the Fourth of July. The U.S. Coast Guard will be patrolling the waters as well as conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Marine Division.
Sgt. Dean Devries says their focus is to make sure everyone has a good time in a safe manner.
“There is going to be a lot of boats and people with a lot of different ideas. Again when alcohol gets involved it impairs your judgement and safety becomes a concern. Good example is someone pulling somone on a tube and they are not paying attention to what’s around them, they are cutting in front of other boats or they operate too close to shore. There are a lot of indicators out there that our officers look for.”
In Michigan, operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, community service and up to 93 days in jail. Loss of boating privileges for one year is also a possibility.
If a person is killed or injured due to a driver operating a boat while under the influence, the driver could be charged with a felony, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
Boaters can do their part to stay safe on the water by:
- Boating sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol and drug use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
- Wearing a life jacket. Eighty-five percent of drowning victims in the U.S. were not wearing life jackets.
- Taking a boating safety course. The DNR recommends a safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft. Classes are offered at different locations throughout the state and online, making it convenient and affordable.
Learn more about boating regulations and safety in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/boating.
