Be safe on the water this 4th of July - Don't Boat drunk!

Fish and Wildlife officers will be cracking down on drunk boaters over the 4^th of July weekend during the 8^th annual Operation Dry water.  

Last year in Florida, 24 percent of fatal accident victims were related to alcohol or drug use. 

That is why law enforcement agencies around the state and country are participating in “Operation Dry Water” from June 30^th through July 2nd to prevent alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.

FWC officers, along with local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard, will be on the lookout for boating under the influence violations.

In Florida it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boater deaths.

Boating under the influence is a serious offense in Florida.

For a first conviction, punishment for a BUI conviction may be a fine of up to $500 and a prison sentence of up to 6 months.

A second conviction can carry a fine of up to $1000 and a 9 month prison sentence and possibly the loss of your boat.

Additional punishment can include substance abuse courses, monthly probation reporting, and community service.

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