Marine Patrol Spreading the Word About Safe Boating

It's called 'Operation Dry Water.' This weekend, Marine Patrols will be beefed up around the state to spread the word about safe boating, and the dangers of boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Nationally, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, and a leading factor in boating accidents. The Maine Marine Patrol's Jeff Nichols told us, as much as using substances can affect your judgement and reflexes on land, it's even worse in a boat.

"When you're on the water, environmental stressors such as wind, noise, the movement of the boat, can intensify the effects of alcohol or drug use."

This weekend, members of the Marine Patrol will be talking to boaters about safety issues, including avoiding drinking or drugging when boating. In addition, they'll talk about the importance of wearing life jackets. Just having them in the boat is no help if you have an accident, because you may not be able to find them once you hit the water.

Nichols told us the enforcement of safe boating practices will continue after this weekend's campaign. For more information on safe boating, log onto the website for Operation Dry Water.