SMARTSVILLE, Calif. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Englebright Lake will be participating in Operation Dry Water June 27-29, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence.
Officers from several agencies 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. By participating in Operation Dry Water, the Corps hopes to do its part to keep recreational boaters safe and to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to alcohol or drug use.
"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,” says Skip Sivertsen, Englebright Lake senior park ranger. “Drinking alcohol while on a boat 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 California boaters whose blood alcohol content level is 0.08 or more can expect to be arrested for BUI and face other serious penalties. Operation Dry Water patrols will include increased water and land patrols, as well as boater education and outreach.
Operation Dry Water at Englebright is a joint program of the Corps, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Yuba County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol. For more information on Operation Dry Water, please visit operationdrywater.org.
Release no. 14-032