Delaware boaters under close watch

In an effort to keep Delaware waterways safe, boaters who are caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol could face some real tough consequences. 

 

In the month of June, four boaters were arrested thanks to Operation Dry Water. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section led the enforcement, made arrests and charged people with OUI also known as operating under the influence.  Operation Dry Water, is part of a national enforcement and education initiative that ran June 22-24 to crack down on boating OUI and potential fatalities.  However, though the campaign ended, boaters can still be charged if caught operating a boat under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“During Operation Dry Water, Fish and Wildlife agents reached out to boaters to provide positive, educational outreach on boating safety issues,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of the Delaware Boating Safety Office.

According to the Delaware Boating Safety Office, agents made 785 contacts with boat operators and passengers to perform standard vessel safety checks and encourage safe boating both in operations and required safety equipment.

“We hope this initiative helps the boating public understand the importance of boating sober to boat safely – and to take heed of the dangers and consequences of drinking while piloting a boat.”