The Oregon State Marine Board, sheriff’s offices across the state and the Oregon State Police will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 4 to July 6, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants.
“Under the influence of intoxicants” means prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana or any other substance that impairs a person’s ability to operate a boat safely, law enforcement officials say.
The effects of drugs and alcohol are amplified on the water, because of the combined impacts of environmental stressors like sun glare, wind and wave motion. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, making sudden immersion into cold water an even greater risk of drowning…