State Participating In Effort To Reduce Impaired Boating Accidents, Deaths

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is increasing patrols of waterways this weekend in an effort to reduce deaths and accidents caused by boaters who are high on drugs or alcohol.  The department is participating in the national Operation Dry Water campaign by increasing patrols, checkpoints and breathalyzer tests through Sunday. Officials hope to draw more awareness to the importance of staying sober while operating watercraft.  U.S. Coast Guard statistics show alcohol use was the primary contributing factor in 260 recreational-boating accidents, 91 deaths and 228 injuries across the country last year. It was a contributing factor in 20 recreational-boating deaths in Ohio the past five years, including four deaths in 2015. Boaters whose blood-alcohol level exceeds Ohio's limit of .08 face jail time and fines. The department says the risk of accident exists for new and experienced boaters, and the effects of the sun, wind and the motion of the water can be multiplied when alcohol is involved.