The state’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources is taking part in this weekend’s Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education event aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities.
Fish & Wildlife officers will increase their presence on Delaware’s waterways to educate boaters and crack down on operators whose blood alcohol level exceeds the state and federal limit of 0.08 percent.
According to national statistics, alcohol use is a leading contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. Nationally in 2014, 277 accidents involved alcohol use and resulted in 108 deaths and 248 injuries.
With 24 boating-related accidents and one fatality in 2014, Delaware’s accident rate remains below the national average, based on Coast Guard data.
Recreational boating reportedly contributes more than $300 million a year to Delaware’s economy. More than 59,000 boats and watercraft are registered in the First State.
During Operation Dry Water in 2014, 35 citations were issued including one arrest for operating a vessel under the influence.