Drinking and boating is dangerous. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reports alcohol use is the “leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.” Despite the risks, many people operate boats while intoxicated. Unfortunately, as a Long Beach personal injury lawyer, I see the aftermath of boating accidents caused by intoxicated boat operators.
Operation Dry Water is part of a nationwide effort to change the culture surrounding boating and drinking. It is aimed at discouraging the types of negligent and unlawful behavior which leads to boating accidents.
Operation Dry Water Aims to Prevent Drunken Boating Accidents
The alcohol-related boating fatality rate is 21 percent nationwide. Drunk boating, like drunk driving, is both dangerous and illegal. Someone who has had too much to drink cannot operate a vessel safely. They are a menace to other boats, jet skis, swimmers, and anyone else on California’s waterways. In fact, an intoxicated boater is also a danger to himself and his passengers. His diminished senses and reaction time can lead to crashes with docks, buoys or other items in the water.
There are ongoing efforts to prevent drunken boating. Operation Dry Water is one such initiative. During this one annual nationwide weekend law enforcement is dedicated to awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws. According to My News 4, “Operation Dry Water is part of a national effort to change the cultural acceptance of drinking and boating, and raise awareness that boaters can have safe and fun recreational boating experiences without the use of alcohol and/or drugs. California will also emphasize the dangers that drunken passengers face.”
Law enforcement officials increase their patrol of waterways throughout the weekend. Boat operators appearing to be intoxicated are stopped, and their alcohol level tested. An operator with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit of .08 can be arrested for boating under the influence (BUI).
BUI is treated just like DUI or DWI offenses committed in a car. The legal consequences can include fines, loss/restriction of a boating license, and prison time for injuries or deaths caused by BUI accidents. Enforcement of BUI laws happen all year long on California’s waterways, but BUI does not get the same coverage as DUI accidents. Operation Dry Water helps focus public attention on the problem of drunken boating.
Getting Help from a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Your Injuries are Personal to Me
After any boating accident, injured victims can make a claim against the person who caused the accident. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a boating accident, I will investigate and determine who was to blame. As an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer. I take your injuries personally and will handle every aspect of your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation to speak with a Long Beach personal injury attorney to learn how I can help you if you’ve suffered a boating accident injury. You will be under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover compensation for your losses.
#LongBeachPersonalInjuryLawyer, #BoatingAccident
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