During the sweltering Georgia summers, many people enjoy their days by taking to the water to cool down.
With more people on the lake, there are also more people drinking and operating boats under the influence.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, the number of BUIs have increased every year in Georgia since 2018.
In 2021, there were 243 BUIs in the state of Georgia. According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division Public Affairs Officer Mark McKinnon, there has already been 183 BUIs this year so far for the state of Georgia.
McKinnon says around this is the time of the year is when their law enforcement is the busiest.
“Most of our game wardens are working on the waterways the majority of the time during the summer,” McKinnon said.
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The Georgia boating law states that it is illegal for those under the age of 21 years to operate a boat or a personal watercraft if their blood alcohol level is 0.02 or more. Those 21 years of age or older are considered to be under the influence and may not operate a boat or personal watercraft if their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or more or if drugs are detected.
“Driving a boat while impaired is just as dangerous as driving a car while impaired. Motor skills and judgement are negatively affected and hinder one’s ability to safely operate a vessel,” McKinnon said. “According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. Drugs, both illegal and legal, can also cause impairment and result in a BUI arrest. People need to understand that even if they are taking a legally prescribed drug, they can still be charged with BUI if that drug impairs their ability to safely operate a vessel.”
There have been 11 boating fatalities so far this year in Georgia.
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Georgia recently participated in Operation Dry Water on July 2-4. Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities. During this campaign, law enforcement emphasized patrolling the waterways throughout the weekend of Fourth of July due to the increase of people on the water.
Over the July 4 weekend, 37 BUIs were reported in Georgia according the DNR. The Georgia DNR is now reminding everyone not to drink and drive, even on a while on the water.
“No warnings are issued for BUI,” McKinnon said. “If an operator is found to be impaired, they will be arrested and they will go to jail. Our game wardens cannot take the risk of giving a warning and allowing that impaired operator to continue. It is just too unsafe for the operator and his or her passengers and for other boaters.”
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
