Missouri Water Patrol boating while intoxicated crackdown press release

NEWS RELEASE



PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102

For further information contact: Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan
Public Information Director
Phone: (573) 751-3333
E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City

Missouri Water Patrol to Participate in Major Safe Boating Effort - "Operation Dry Water" is a Natioanl Campaign

This month the Missouri State Water Patrol will be participating in a national safe boating campaign that spans virtually every U.S. state and territory. "Operation Dry Water" is spearheaded by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and aims to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of intoxicated operation of vessels. The campaign will be conducted the weekend of June 26 – 28. The Water Patrol will be conducting multiple sobriety check points on the waters throughout the state during that weekend. Nationally, alcohol is a contributing factor in more than one-fifth of all boating fatality accidents.

Boaters who come across a check point on the water can expect that they may be stopped. Officers will make brief contact with the operator and perform a basic safety check of the boat's equipment. If the officer suspects the operator to be under the influence of intoxicants they will be asked to submit to a field sobriety test. All efforts will be made to keep the process as brief as possible and to ensure that traffic does not back up. The Missouri State Water Patrol appreciates the public's cooperation.

The Missouri State Water Patrol reminds everyone to "boat smart." If alcohol will be included as part of your next excursion, be sure to designate a sober captain.


News Release ID: N07090052
Release Date: 20090615

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