6-27-14 operation dry water

The Wisconsin DNR is joining other groups and local law enforcement in sending a message that alcohol and boating don’t mix.  The DNR in conjunction with local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard and National 

Association of State Boating Law Administrators will be on the water this weekend for Operation Dry Water.  DNR Boating Safety Administrator, Roy Zellmer, says boating under the influence is a primary contributing factor in nearly 1 in 5 boating fatalities nationwide.  Zellmer says intoxicated boating is just as dangerous if not more dangerous than drinking and driving a car.  With that being said Zellmer says it is legal to have open intoxicants while operating a boat.  "Its one of those things that frankly can be mitigated by the operator of a motor boat of reduced alcohol consumption and awareness.  It can be mitigated by having a designated operator,"  Zellmer told AM 1170 WFDL's Between the Lines program.  This weekend boaters will see more officers on duty distributing public education and arresting those who are operating a boat while legally intoxicated.