LAKE POWELL, Utah, July 2, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Park Rangers will be joined by the U.S. Coast Guard on Lake Powell beginning Thursday to enforce and educate about the importance of sober boating.
“From July 4 to 6, 2024, the national Operation Dry Water awareness and enforcement initiative will take place on Lake Powell,” according to a National Park Service press release.
“Glen Canyon National Recreation Area rangers, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will actively participate in the national heightened awareness and enforcement weekend.
“During this time, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including the importance of sober boating, with the goal of enhancing boating safety nationwide.”
Also during “Operation Dry Water” boaters will see an overall increase in officer patrols on the water and at boating checkpoints, the NPS said.
“The top priority during this time is the safety of all boaters on the water, and any impaired boater or individual posing a danger to others will be removed from the waterways.”
Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death, and legal consequences, the NPS said, noting in Arizona it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher and in Utah with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher.
The park service reminds boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when the boat is underway.
The agency “is committed to promoting the safety of recreational boaters, paddlers, and all waterway users. Visit our Safety page for more information. Visit Operation Dry Water for more information about boating under the influence.”
The service is partnering with agencies nationwide to prevent incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence.
