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Sheriff’s Office to Participate in Operation Dry Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2014
CONTACT: Shari Ireton, Director of Communications
425-388-3377, Shari.Ireton@co.snohomish.wa.us
Media line: 425-249-6263
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Marine
Services Unit will participate in Operation Dry Water this weekend, June
27-29, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of
accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence (BUI).
During this three-day weekend, officers will be
on the water reminding boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence
and detecting boaters who are impaired.
Boating under the influence continues to be
major problem nationwide and is the leading factor in boater deaths is alcohol
use while boating. By participating in Operation Dry Water, the Sheriff’s
Office is working to keep recreational boaters safe and reduce the number of
accidents and deaths related to alcohol or drug use on the water.
"Our agency encourages boaters to enjoy the
boating season with friends and family, and we also encourage you do it in a
safe and responsible way,” said Lt. Rodney Rochon, marine unit commander.
“Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have serious,
even deadly, consequences, and our goal is to make sure everyone is enjoying
their time on the water and staying safe.”
In Washington, boaters whose blood alcohol
content (BAC) level exceeds the state limit of .08 can expect to be arrested
for BUI and face other serious penalties including having the vessel impounded,
payment of fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges. Operation Dry
Water patrols will include increased patrols on the water and roadways leading
to and from launch facilities, and breathalyzer tests, as well as boater
education and outreach.
Operation Dry Water is a joint program of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office,
the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast
Guard, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Parks, and the Department of
Fish and Wildlife. For more information on Operation Dry Water, please
visit operationdrywater.org.
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