Heightened BUI Awareness and Enforcement Campaign June 26-28

LINCOLN – As part of a national effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence (BUI), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will participate in Operation Dry Water June 26-28.

While Operation Dry Water is a year-round BUI awareness and enforcement campaign, that effort will be heightened by Game and Parks’ Law Enforcement Division officers during the final weekend of June.

Alcohol use while boating is the leading factor in boater deaths. In Nebraska, it is unlawful to operate a motorboat with a blood alcohol level content of .08 percent or greater. Doing so constitutes BUI, which carries penalties that may include vessel impoundment, fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges.

“Our agency encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season with friends and family, and we also encourage them do it in a safe and responsible way,” said Craig Stover, administrator for the Law Enforcement Division. “Drinking alcohol while on a boat can have serious, even deadly consequences, and our goal is to make sure everyone is enjoying their time on the water and staying safe.”

Operation Dry Water, held annually on the weekend before Independence Day, is a joint program of Game and Parks, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other local enforcement agencies. For more information, visit operationdrywater.org.

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