SACRAMENTO, CA -- Marine law enforcement will be out in force, patrolling lakes and rivers across the U.S. from June 24 to June 26, looking for people boating under the influence.
The three-day BUI crackdown is part of Operation Dry Water, an annual campaign aimed at reducing the number of alcohol related drinking and boating accidents.
According to the National Association of State Boating and Law Administrators, more than 17 percent of boating deaths result from alcohol use. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher is against the law in California and most states, although there is no open container law pertaining to boating in California.
Gloria Sandoval with the boating agency says whether you are the driver or passenger in a boat, remaining sober is crucial to water safety.
"That whole designated driver theory for cars doesn't necessarily work for boats because passengers are either walking around in the boat, they don't have life jackets on, they've been drinking, they lean over and for whatever reason, they go overboard," Sandoval said.
She recommended everyone on a boat should be wearing a life jacket. The boating department will be giving away life jackets free to boaters who sign a pledge card that life jackets save lives.
News10/KXTV