Stay dry

It’s illegal and unsafe to go boating and drinking
Anonymous
The Cumberland Times-News Thu Jun 23, 2011, 09:26 PM EDT

There may be people who actually believe that while it’s inadvisable to drink and drive an automobile, it’s OK to drink and operate a boat.

Well, it’s not.

Not only is it illegal to operate a boat while under the influence, it’s dangerous. In Maryland, alcohol and illegal drug use were contributing factors in 8 percent of the state’s 219 reportable boating accidents during 2010. In 2009, alcohol contributed to 16 percent of boating fatalities nationwide.

Warm weather brings the boating season, and Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged a Pennsylvania man with operating a vessel under the influence on Deep Creek Lake.

Just as police are on the lookout for drunken drivers, they’re also trying to keep the boating public safe from drunken boat operators.

Today through Sunday, Maryland’s Natural Resources Police will be participating in the nationally coordinated Operation Dry Water, in which officials across America — including the U.S. Coast Guard — will be trying to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking in a boating environment.

The situation becomes even worse in waters that are comparatively crowded, like those of Deep Creek Lake.

Also, NRP officials say, boaters are subject to increased fatigue from sun, wind and water, and alcohol use magnifies this fatigue and impairs judgment and can can lead to arrest, accidents and death. The maximum penalty for operating a boat while impaired by alcohol is a $1,000 fine and a year in jail for first offenders.

As NRP says: Boat safe, boat smart and boat sober

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