Boat Safety Top Goal Of Coast Guard's 'Operation Dry Water'

METRO DETROIT, MI — Coast Guard units and partner law enforcement agencies across the Great Lakes will conduct boardings in support of Operation Dry Water starting Friday. Going through July 2, the operation is focused on reducing the number of maritime alcohol-and drug-related accidents and fatalities.

"Much like operating a motor vehicle, the operator of a vessel shoulders the responsibility for the safe operation of their vessel, including the safety of their passengers, Michael Baron, recreational boating and water safety specialist for the Ninth Coast Guard District, said in a news release. "When an operator is boating under the influence (BUI), it's often not the impaired operator, but their loved ones, passengers and other waterway users who suffer."

Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths; it was listed as the leading contributing factor in 15 percent of all recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence is just as, if not more, dangerous than driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and just as illegal.

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U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Eggers