Operation Dry Water – June 26th-28th, 2015
Clarksville, TN – As the summer recreational boating season gets into full swing, the Clarksville Police Department is ramping up its enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on Boating Under the Influence.
The annual three-day, heightened awareness and enforcement campaign, Operation Dry Water, focuses on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Clarksville Police Department will work with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to increase the number of officers on the water, with the aim to drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths due to impaired boating.
“It is our job as law enforcement to identify and remove drunk or impaired boaters from the water – so that everyone else can continue to have an enjoyable boating season, and not become a victim of boating under the influence. Protecting the public goes to the heart of our mission,” said Lt. Philip Ashby. “Our agency is participating in Operation Dry Water, and joining thousands of law enforcement officers nationwide, to decrease the number of accidents and deaths that come as a result of boaters who choose to drink and boat,” he added.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08 or higher – the same as it is to operate a vehicle. The Clarksville Police Department wants to remind boaters to stay safe this summer, by staying sober on the water.
Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. During the national weekend of heightened awareness and high-visibility enforcement, boaters can expect to see more law enforcement presence and increased messaging about this dangerous and preventable crime.
