Press Releases
06/28/2023
DEEP Announces Launch of Operation Dry Water
Effort to Halt Boating under the Influence on Connecticut Waters
(HARTFORD) — In an effort to educate recreational boaters nationwide about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) will be participating in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to decrease the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
The Operation Dry Water campaign this coming weekend, July 1-3, is a national effort dedicated to heightened recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated BUI enforcement. Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating incidents. DEEP encourages all boaters to enjoy this boating season and help keep everyone safe by choosing to boat sober all year long. Use of both legal and illegal drugs also impairs judgment and reaction time and creates dangerous circumstances while on the water.
“Over the holiday weekend, individuals and families from across the country head to our waterways for a fun, safe, and pleasant experience,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Our access to lakes, rivers, and the Long Island Sound is part of what makes Connecticut a great place to live and a premier tourist destination. Our goal with this campaign is to not only enforce BUI laws, but to educate boaters about the dangers of impaired boating.”
As part of Operation Dry Water weekend, recreational boating safety advocates and volunteers, in collaboration with law enforcement in every U.S. state and territory, will be out at boat launches, marinas, and on the water educating boaters about safe boating practices. Law enforcement will also be working to identify and remove dangerous and impaired operators. In 2022, law enforcement officers across the nation removed 794 impaired operators from our nation’s waterways during the Operation Dry Water weekend.
DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Colonel Chris Lewis added, “To ensure that everyone is safe out on the water, we have partnered with Operation Dry Water to assist in educating operators and passengers about the dangers associated with boating under the influence. DEEP wants boaters to have a safe and enjoyable summer while out on the water, and to do that boat operators and passengers must remain sober and alert while underway.”
DEEP supports these educational and enforcement efforts all season long to ensure the safety of recreational boaters and water sport enthusiasts. The risk of serious injury is the same for operators and passengers when drinking. Additionally, alcohol use by passengers presents a danger regardless of whether the operator is consuming alcohol or not.
Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting CT DEEP’s Boating website or www.operationdrywater.org. Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110