Boaters

About BUI

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating incidents.

If you boat under the influence your voyage may be terminated, the boat may be impounded and the operator may be arrested. Penalties vary by state but can include fines, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges.

  • The federal BAC legal limit for operating a vessel under the influence is .08.

  • Alcohol use can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.

  • Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion —“stressors” common to the boating environment— intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.

  • Alcohol use can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.

  • Alcohol is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication can cause slips, falls over board and other dangerous incidents.

  • If you boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol you are endangering your life and the lives of others.

What is Operation Dry Water?

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. Operation Dry Water's heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend takes place annually around July fourth, a holiday unfortunately known for drinking and boating, and deadly incidents.

policeman administering breathalyzer

National Results

The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.