SAND KEY, Fla. — Crewmembers at Coast Guard Station Sand Key conducted vessel safety boardings on the water in support of Operation Dry Water near Sand Key, Saturday.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Peed, a boarding officer at Coast Guard Station Sand Key, Fla., assists Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Olsen with paperwork during a vessel boarding near Sand Key Saturday, June 28, 2014. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Crystalynn A Kneen
Operation Dry Water is an annual nationwide campaign focused on enforcement of boating under the influence laws and educating boaters of the risks of operating a boat under the influence.
According to the 2013 recreational boating statistics, alcohol use was a contributing factor in 32 accidents, resulting in 10 deaths and 22 injuries statewide.
The Coast Guard, along with partner agencies, looked for boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08. The operation included increased patrols, breathalyzer tests and boater education outreach efforts.
Operation Dry Water began in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the Coast Guard and other state and local law enforcement agencies.
Click the photo for more from the boarding.
