The Prevention Council of Saratoga County joins Operation Dry Water to raise awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Prevention Council of Saratoga County (P.C.S.C) joins the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office in the annual Operation Dry campaign, a coordinated campaign to educate boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Throughout this boating season, boaters will see an increase in outreach, education and enforcement surrounding boating under the influence.

Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents. The mission of  Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. The P.C.S.C will be out educating boaters on ways to stay safe while on the water, which includes always boating sober and avoiding any alcohol- or drug-use prior to and while boating.

“Getting out on the water is an enjoyable and relaxing activity for many. We have partnered with Operation Dry Water this summer to help keep boaters safe by educating operators and passengers on the dangers of boating under the influence,” said Janine Stuchin, Executive Director of the P.C.S.C. “Staying sober while boating is a critical part of boating safely.

Outreach partners and volunteers will be out on the water and at marinas in Saratoga County, working collaboratively with law enforcement to educate boaters about safe boating practices. Law enforcement will also be detecting and removing impaired operators from the water. No matter where you are boating, it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In 2019, law enforcement officers across the nation issued a total of 9,524 citations and removed 563 impaired operators from our nation’s waterways. The P.C.S.C is urging boaters to enjoy this boating season and help keep everyone safe by not drinking alcohol while on the water, or operating a boat after you have consumed alcohol. Use of both legal and illegal drugs also impairs judgment and reaction time and makes it dangerous to operate any vessel.

Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting PreventionCouncil.org or operationdrywater.org.