Contact: Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish & Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102
Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Operation Dry Water has positive effect
on Delaware boating sobriety and safety 

DOVER (July 1, 2011) – Just ahead of another long holiday boating weekend, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section today reported that the recent Operation Dry Water – a national crackdown on boaters operating under the influence (OUI) through awareness of the dangers of drunken boating – had a positive effect in Delaware waters, with safety and sobriety the course set during the three-day initiative by almost all of the state’s boaters.

 “We are pleased that we had to make only one arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol during Operation Dry Water,” said Chief James Graybeal of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, who is also president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, which sponsored the initiative. “It is an indication that our message is reaching the boating public and they are taking heed of the dangers and consequences of drinking while piloting a boat.”

From June 24-26, Fish and Wildlife agents issued four summonses besides the OUI arrest and also handed out eight warnings for lesser offenses statewide. Agents at checkpoints made nearly 150 contacts with operators and passengers, performing standard vessel checks and encouraging safe boating both in operations and required safety equipment.

“During Operation Dry Water, Fish and Wildlife agents were able to reach out to boaters and provide positive, educational outreach on boating safety issues,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of the Delaware Boating Safety Office. “We hope this initiative helped the boating public to understand the importance of ‘boating sober to boat safely.’”

The OUI arrest was made during a nighttime patrol of the C&D Canal on June 25, when a jet-ski not displaying required navigational lights was stopped. The operator, Jeffrey M. Cook, 33, of New Castle, was arrested and charged with one count of operating under the influence. Cook will have a later court date.

Other boating offenses during Operation Dry Water involved safety issues: operating without required navigational lights; not carrying a fire extinguisher as required aboard a vessel; and not carrying enough personal floatation devices for all passengers aboard a vessel as required by law. The three operators were fined and released.

Warnings issued included carrying an unusable personal floatation device; having an expired boat registration; and not possessing the required boating safety certificate.

Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section at 302-739-4580.

Vol. 41, No. 248