Coast Guard to execute Operation Dry Water

The Coast Guard along with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and Monroe County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) will be enforcing state and federal laws against boating under the influence (BUI) throughout the keys this weekend, June 26-28.

Operation Dry Water is an enforcement effort created by a partnership between the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Boating under the influence is illegal in all 50 states and territories. Impaired boaters found to be boating under the influence can expect penalties to be severe to include fines and possible arrest.

Law enforcement officers from Coast Guard, MCSO, and FWCC, as part of Operation Dry Water, will be out in force alert for boat operators whose Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds the national limit of 0.08%.

“We want all boaters to enjoy the pristine waters of the Florida Keys,” said Captain Pat DeQuattro, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West. “The U.S. Coast Guard is teaming up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the Key West Police Department, and the Key Colony Police Department to remind our public of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Our goal is to reduce the significant number of alcohol-related boating accidents, injuries, and deaths.”