Operation Dry Water

If one of your favorite sailing ditties is "What do you do with a drunken sailor…" you should know the Coast Guard has an answer.

The Coast Guard wants everyone to know that USCG units throughout Northern California, alongside other law enforcement agencies, are scheduled to increase boating safety patrols Friday through Sunday in support of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide effort to increase enforcement of boating-under-the-influence laws.

Operation Dry Water aims to raise awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence in an effort to decrease the number of recreational boating accidents and deaths. Nationwide, 658 people died in boating and paddling accidents in 2017. Approximately 76% drowned, and more than 84% of those people were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol use is the lead contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 19% of all reported fatalities.

Penalties for ‘BUI’ (Boating Under the Influence) include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms. On the Fourth of July and the following weekend boaters can expect increased presence from the Coast Guard, as well as state and local law enforcement.

"We’re very fortunate in the San Francisco Bay Area to have such great recreational boating opportunities," said Captain Tony Ceraolo, the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander and Captain of the Port for San Francisco and Northern California. "We want people to get out on the water and enjoy themselves, but to do it safely. Much like drinking and driving, boating under the influence dramatically increases the risk that an outing could turn deadly."

California has the fourth-largest number of recreational boats in the country and has the third highest number of boating-related deaths according to the Coast Guard’s 2017 statistics.

Some more good reminders from the Coast Guard:

• Float Plan: Let someone know where and when you plan to get underway and when you plan to return.
• Check the weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and you want to be prepared and boat within your limits.
• VHF-radio channel 16 is the best method to communicate a distress while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and limited battery life.
• Wear your life jacket. More than 84 percent of boaters who drown were not wearing life jackets. There will not be time during an emergency to locate and put on a life jacket, so wear it at all times.

Have a great 4th of July and summer of sailing but, of course, be safe.