Nebraska to crack down on drunken boating on July Fourth weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With the upcoming holiday weekend, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to curb boating under the influence.

From Saturday through next Monday, Game and Parks is taking part in the annual Operation Dry Water to bring awareness to BUI and to enforce it across state lakes.

Officials say drinking while boating is one of the leading factors in boater deaths.  It is illegal to drive a boat with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher in Nebraska.

“The Commission encourages boaters to enjoy the boating season with friends and family, and we also encourage them do it in a safe and responsible way,” said Craig Stover, administrator for the Game and Parks Law Enforcement Division.  “Drinking alcohol while boating can have serious, even deadly consequences, and our goal is to make sure everyone is enjoying their time on the water and staying safe.”

Game and Parks also reminds people to bring life jackets, lights, a fire extinguisher, a horn and a bailing bucket onto boats.

During last year’s campaign, Game and Parks issued 209 safety warnings, 91 citations and four BUIs.

More information can be found at OperationDryWater.org.