9 boaters were removed from Northwest Florida waters over the July 4th holiday during Operation Dry Water.
Operation Dry Water is an annual event that includes officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard.
It is part of a national effort to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
From July 4th through the 7th, officers removed 9 boaters from Northwest Florida waters for boating under the influence.
They also cited 131 vessel operators for boating safety violations, and issued 631 boating safety warnings.
In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a Blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.
Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgement and reaction time, which can lead to serious injuries and consequences.
Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and leading contributor to boating accidents.
Boating under the influence is a serious offense in Florida.
For a first conviction, punishment for a BUI can 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.
Operation Dry Water is an annual event that includes officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard.
It is part of a national effort to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
From July 4th through the 7th, officers removed 9 boaters from Northwest Florida waters for boating under the influence.
They also cited 131 vessel operators for boating safety violations, and issued 631 boating safety warnings.
In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a Blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.
Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgement and reaction time, which can lead to serious injuries and consequences.
Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and leading contributor to boating accidents.
Boating under the influence is a serious offense in Florida.
For a first conviction, punishment for a BUI can 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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