Rhode Island

State to Conduct Extra Patrols to Curb Impaired Boating

It's part of an annual "Operation Dry Water'' campaign

Rhode Island environmental officials and the U.S. Coast Guard are conducting extra patrols to try to crack down on impaired boating.

The Department of Environmental Management says the increased enforcement efforts begin Friday and continue through Sunday.

The department is looking for boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs in an effort to reduce the number of boating accidents and deaths, deter alcohol and drug use while boating and raise awareness of the seriousness of the problem.

It's part of an annual "Operation Dry Water'' campaign, a joint program by DEM environmental police, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Coast Guard and other agencies.

During the 2018 campaign, DEM boarded 96 boats, issued 36 warnings and citations, responded to two boating accidents and arrested three people.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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