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Officers Focus on Boating Under the Influence During Operation Dry Water

LINCOLN – As part of a national effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence (BUI), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s law enforcement division participated in Operation Dry Water June 27-29.

During the statewide campaign, officers issued 49 citations and 71 warnings for various violations including, BUI, safety equipment and boating operation violations. Enforcement will continue throughout the summer.

Alcohol use while boating is the leading factor in boater deaths. In Nebraska, it is unlawful to operate a motorboat with a blood alcohol level content of .08 percent or greater. Doing so constitutes BUI, which carries penalties such as vessel impoundment, fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges.

“Our agency encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season with friends and family, and we also encourage them do it in a safe and responsible way,” said Craig Stover, law enforcement division administrator. “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.”

Operation Dry Water, held annually on the weekend before Independence Day, is a joint program of Game and Parks, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, visit operationdrywater.org.

About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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