Door County DNR wardens are taking part in the national “Operation: Dry Water” campaign by patrolling area waters, looking for impaired boat operators. When impaired by alcohol, boating accidents are more likely and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators, man of whom capsize their vessel or simply fall overboard. Operating while intoxicated is a primary contributing factor in nearly 1 in 5 boating fatalities nationwide.
Boaters found operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher will have their voyage terminated and be removed from the water for everyone’s safety.
Last year, Wisconsin’s conservation wardens invested 1,684 hours and contacted 1,870 boaters during “Operation: Dry Water”. There were 14 arrests for boating under the influence and 162 other boating citations issued, along with 599 boating-related warnings.
