Boating Enforcement

The Minnesota DNR says alcohol is the main factor in half of the state’s boating deaths.  So this weekend, the DNR and other law enforcement has been out in force making sure boaters aren’t under the influence.  Steve Chihak is a Minnesota DNR conservation officer.

Chihak says the Independence Day weekend is one of the busiest for boats and watercraft in Minnesota and elsewhere…so that’s why the enforcement effort Operation Dry Water is taking place.

Besides boating under the influence, another factor in boating fatalities is not wearing a life jacket.  There’s supposed to be one life jacket per person on a boat…and children under age ten are required to wear life jackets at all times.

Chihak brings up another factor when it comes to boating in Minnesota.

And a reminder that it’s not just the operator of a boat who can be cited for being under the influence when on a boat. That includes passengers, too.