The Oregon State Marine Board is participating in Operation Dry Water from July 3 through July 5 to reduce boating accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants.

Boating Under the Influence

Boating under the influence of intoxicants, or BUII, includes the consumption of prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, or marijuana, or any combination of these that impairs a person’s ability to safely operate a boat.

Impaired boaters face serious penalties, including possible jail time, a $6,250 fine, and the loss of boating privileges. Marine officers have the authority to obtain blood, breath, or urine samples if a boater fails field sobriety tests.

Boaters are encouraged to call 911 to report an impaired operator or someone operating a boat in a way that threatens others’ safety. When reporting, it is helpful to remember the boat type and characteristics, the number of passengers, a description of the observed behavior, the nearest boat ramp, and, if possible, the boat’s registration number or letters at the bow.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.