As boaters head to Pennsylvania waterways for the extended Independence Day weekend, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will ramp up enforcement efforts to crack down on Boating Under the Influence (BUI) as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign running July 4–6.

PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers will conduct enhanced BUI patrols and checkpoints, joining agencies nationwide in efforts to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities related to impaired boating.

"Alcohol and drugs impair a boat operator’s judgment just like they do behind the wheel of a car, and even more so with sun, heat, and waves involved," said Col. Jeffrey Sabo, PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement Director.

Key Points:

   •Legal BUI limit in Pennsylvania is .08% BAC

   •Penalties include fines, loss of boating privileges, and possible jail time

   •PFBC made 33 BUI arrests in 2024, with 12 during last year’s Operation Dry Water

   •At least 2 of 10 boating fatalities in 2024 involved alcohol or drugs

PFBC Boating Safety Reminders:

   •Avoid alcohol while boating or assign a designated sober operator

   •Life jackets are required for all passengers, with mandatory wear for children 12 and under in boats under 20 feet, and in all canoes and kayaks

   •Life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved, properly fitting, and in good condition

For more information on safe boating and regulations, visit www.fishandboat.com.

 

 

 

 

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