NRP Conducts Operation Dry Water

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) will participate in Operation Dry Water this weekend, a national program to raise awareness about the dangerous use of alcohol while boating. NRP officers will be out in full force on a detection and enforcement mission.

“Our main focus with Operation Dry Water is to prevent accidents and fatalities while making our waterways safer and more enjoyable for all boaters,” said NRP Colonel George F. Johnson IV.

The effort is organized by the National Association of State Boating Law Enforcement Administrators. The NRP, the United States Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies will patrol across the state throughout the weekend, targeting high-accident areas and areas where boating and alcohol have been a problem in the past.

According to a NRP release, 2009 statistics showed alcohol use was a contributing factor in 16 percent of boating fatalities nationwide. In Maryland during 2010, alcohol and illegal drug use were a contributing factor in 8 percent of the 219 reportable boating accidents.

The maximum penalty for operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol is a $1000 fine and a year in jail for the first offense. 

“NRP would like to remind citizens that the sun, wind and water can cause fatigue in boaters,” said Sgt. Art Windemuth of the NRP. “Alcohol use magnifies this fatigue, impairs judgment and can lead to accidents and death. NRP reminds boaters to boat safe, boat smart and boat sober.”