HARRISBURG, Pa. (June 28) – On Thursday, June 29, 2023, beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and U.S. Coast Guard will join with other law enforcement and conservation partners to host the national kickoff to Operation Dry Water at Point State Park in Pittsburgh.
Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated campaign featuring a period of heightened boating under the influence (BUI) awareness and enforcement around the popular Fourth of July holiday weekend. This year, law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania and across the country will conduct enhanced BUI patrols from July 1-3, 2023, in an effort to remove impaired boaters from our waterways and increase public safety.
Boating under the influence can include the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications while on the water, and impaired boating continues to be a major factor in boating-related incidents and deaths nationwide. Alcohol and other substances can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.
Just like driving a motor vehicle on the roadway, in Pennsylvania, a boat operator is considered to be legally impaired if their blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. BUI penalties can include fines, loss of boating privileges, and imprisonment.
In addition to remaining sober, boaters are reminded to always wear a life jacket.
Guests for this event will include PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer and representatives from NASBLA, U.S. Coast Guard, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA State Police, PennDOT, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Pittsburgh Safe Boating Council.
Brief comments will be followed by a ceremonial "first patrol" boat parade by law enforcement boats.
WHAT: National Kickoff to Operation Dry Water
WHEN: Thursday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Allegheny Wharf upper walkway near fountain.
GPS COORDINATES: 40.44216719863126, -80.01250871727889
PARKING: Boulos parking lot
DETAILS FOR PRESS: This is an outdoor event. RSVP requested. Individual interviews with agency personnel will be available from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., prior to formal remarks.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Laurel Anders, PFBC Director of Boating
(717) 678-0571
landers@pa.gov
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