Operation Dry Water this weekend

Last year, 17 people died from boating accidents related to alcohol and drug use in Florida.

“Alcohol- and drug-related boating accidents are preventable,” said Capt. Tom Shipp, of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “Even one death is too many.”

That is why law enforcement agencies around the state and country are participating in “Operation Dry Water” this weekend. This nationwide public-education effort is designed to prevent alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. FWC officers, along with local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard, will crack down on boating under the influence (BUI) violations.

“While our officers always look for BUIs,” Shipp said, “this weekend, they are making a special effort to stop this dangerous activity.”

For more on this story, see the June 23 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.