Deputies Watching for Impaired Boaters (Photo)

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) marine patrol deputies are taking part in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide push to help keep waterways safe from alcohol-related fatalities.  This weekend, from June 29 to July 1, 2018, deputies will focus on education and enforcement of Oregon’s boating under the influence laws.  

Operation Dry Water is a year-long awareness campaign sponsored by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).  According to NASBLA, alcohol is responsible for 15% of boating fatalities, making it the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.  This weekend’s summer kick-off enforcement event is designed to spread awareness of the danger of boating under the influence, and set the stage for safety for the summer boating season.

Oregon’s laws for driving and boating under the influence of intoxicants (DUII and BUII) are generally similar.  Unlike driving laws, however, Oregon boating laws allow open containers of alcohol in boats, and boat operators are allowed to consume alcohol.  Like vehicle drivers, though, boat operators must not be impaired to a perceptible degree.  BUII laws are enforceable on any public waterway and pertain to any kind of boat, including motor boats, rafts, and other paddle craft.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit http://www.operationdrywater.org/boaters.  Information about statewide boating laws and regulations can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board website: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Statewide-and-Local-Regulations.aspx.

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