Officers will be on the lookout for drunk boaters during Operation Dry Water

Fish and Wildlife officers will be cracking down on drunk boaters this weekend during the 7^th annual Operation Dry water.  

52 people were killed in boating accidents in the Sunshine State in 2015 – nearly 20 percent of those fatalities were alcohol or drug related.

That is why law enforcement agencies around the state and country are participating in “Operation Dry Water” this weekend 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 level of .08 or higher.

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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