June 25, 2020 10:40 a.m.

The Oregon Marine Board, marine law enforcement from 18 county sheriff’s offices, Oregon State Police, and five Oregon U.S. Coast Guard stations will be participating in Operation Dry Water during the weekend of July 3rd-5th.

An OMB release said its part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants.

Boating Safety Program Manager Randy Henry said there will be multiple patrols scheduled to catch impaired boat operators. He said the legislature has given them the authority to take the boater education card of violators for up to three years.

The release said many marine officers have completed specialized training to recognize alcohol and drug impairment. That includes prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana or any other substances that impairs a person’s ability to make sound judgements and to safely operate a boat. The release said the effects of drugs and alcohol are also amplified on the water with the combination of sun glare, wind, waves and other environmental stressors.

In Oregon, the consequences of being convicted of BUII include the possibility of jail time, $6,250 in fines, loss of boating privileges and a one to three- year suspension of the boater education card. Violators may also be court-mandated to take another boating safety course.

For more information about Operation Dry Water go to www.operationdrywater.org.