Operation Dry Water Targets BUI
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This was posted in the general section, but I posted it here also. Dont know what impact we will see but worth remembering
Alcohol continues to be a major contributing factor in recreational boating accidents, injuries and deaths. In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of combining drinking and boating, the National Assocation of State Boating Law Administrators is spearheading Operation Dry Water. This coordinated, national weekend of boating under the influence (BUI) detection and enforcement is being held June 26-28, 2009. The effort is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities and to foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.
Operation Dry Water will directly address two strategies of the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan:
Strategy 6.2, …increase the number of BUI checkpoints to collect and report BUI and safety compliance data in the Performance Report Part II, and
Strategy 6.6 Challenge law enforcement officials to test more operators for alcohol/drug use in accident investigations.
Curbing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities is a key to achieving safer and more enjoyable recreational boating. In 2007, Coast Guard statistics indicate that more than one-fifth (21%) of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. This continues an upward trend in the percentage of fatalities where alcohol was the primary cause of the accident.
Participating agencies are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted weekend. This can be accomplished by
focusing on a particular body of water,
increasing patrols in several locations,
conducting BUI checkpoints in one or more locations, or
undertaking a combination of these activities.
Agencies are also asked to work with their local media to make the public aware of Operation Dry Water as well as the hazards of boating under the influence.
Communications Tools Available at
www.OperationDryWater.org
As the weekend of June 26-28 approaches, it’s time to tell the public about Operation Dry Water. Currently 41 states have committed to participating. With this kind of involvement, Operation Dry Water can have a broad impact if we’re using the same materials and sending the same messages.
Today the Operation Dry Water website,
http://www.OperationDryWater.org, was unveiled and, with it, several tools that’ll help you implement your campaign. Click on the site’s “For Law Enforcement” tab and you’ll find (or will soon find):
An Operation Dry Water Checkpoint Plan of Operations that details how to plan and implement checkpoints in your state.
A Press Kit that can be used to distribute information about Operation Dry Water to the media and partners.
Public Service Announcements for television, radio and print. All PSAs can be customized with your state’s or agency’s logo and, in the case of those for TV and radio, a mention. Place them in media outlets and other venues.
Flyers (in black and white and in color) that can easily be customized. Just download the Microsoft Word file(s) you wish to use, add your organization’s name and/or logo, and print. These can be used as handouts wherever boaters congregate.
Customizable Posters (in both black and white and color) that can be posted at marinas and retail outlets, handed out at boating classes, and provided to police and fire stations for display.
An Informational Brochure that gives an overview of the dangers and consequences of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Provide one to each boater you encounter that weekend (and beyond).
Operation Dry Water logos, talking points and a proclamation – all of which can be used to help you promote this important campaign.
If you have ideas for other items that might help you conduct a successful campaign, please let us know
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