Mary Alice Reporting –
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is reminding all that substance use while operating a boat is not a good mix.
Alcohol continues to be a major factor related to boating accidents as it impairs judgement and effects balance, which is even more dangerous when it comes to the rocking motion on a water vessel.
MWCD Chief Ranger Patrick Brockmeier says the district is a participant in Operation Dry Water.
“It’s a national event and this time is from July 4th to July 5th. What it is, is actually education and enforcement of what we would call a BUI, boating under the influence.”
Additionally, despite Ohio’s passage of Issue 2 and recreational marijuana use, safety should also be considered since this substance can impair a consumer.
Brockmeier adds that rangers will have an increased presence at their lakes and campgrounds over the holiday weekend.
“You know buzz driving, drinking and driving, with a vehicle it can be the same way with a boat. If you’re going out on the water, we would just stress that you have a sober driver. It’s dangerous in a car and it’s just as dangerous out on the water, and I don’t think we have people think about it that way.”
According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources data, in 2023, there were 10 fatalities, six incidents were in powerboats and four in a canoe/kayak.
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