FWC Makes 94 Arrests in Holiday Impaired Boating Operation

TALLAHASSEE  This year marked the 15th annual Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Operation Dry Water. From July 1-3, FWC officers arrested 94 vessel operators for boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

""Tragic accidents occur when irresponsibility is present,"" said Col. Brian Smith, Director of FWC s Division of Law Enforcement. ""Operating a vessel while impaired puts the vessel operator, everyone on board, and everyone around them in danger. I have no doubt that the hard work our officers and partner agencies put in over the holiday weekend saved lives.""

Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.

The FWC reminds boaters to enjoy the Florida sunshine and designate an operator that will remain sober to ensure the safety of everyone with them and around them plus encourages boaters to wear a life jacket and take a boating education course.