Boating safety is a key priority as the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District participates in Operation Dry Water.
Director of Marketing and Communications Adria Bergeron says the national campaign educates about safe practices, emphasizing the importance of sober boating.
“We are going to have an awareness weekend over July 4th. If you are operating the vessel, it’s just like driving a car. You could get a BUI (boating under the influence).”
MWCD lake rangers will offer vessel safety checks on July 4th from 2 to 4pm at Atwood, Seneca, and Piedmont lakes public boating ramps.
US Coast Guard statistics show that alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.
“Between the sun, the water, the heat all of these different variables that come into play boating and drinking on top of that can become very dangerous and deadly, so we want everyone to be careful about that.”
Overall, Bergeron says boat operators needs to be aware of their responsibilities when out on the lake.
“The driver should not be drinking. Know the boat, the vessel itself and what you should be doing, and what lights should be on or off. Just be sure that you know what you’re doing especially when there’s increased traffic. Our boat public launch ramps become very congested so be patient.”
Ohio law states that it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. Overall, MWCD reminds boaters to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
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