FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — As Fourth of July celebrations get underway, law enforcement agencies across Central California are increasing patrols on both roads and waterways, warning people to avoid driving or operating boats under the influence.<\/p>\n
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said deputies will be monitoring some of the most popular waterways throughout the holiday weekend, including the Kings River, Shaver Lake and Pine Flat Lake.<\/p>\n
“We put two boats on each body of water, but we also have numerous bodies of water which we’re responsible for. We try to hit everything as best as we can,” said Sgt. Chris Tullus of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Boating Division.<\/p>\n
At Reedley Beach on Friday evening, families gathered to enjoy the water as deputies patrolled nearby.<\/p>\n
“I like getting in the water and trying to catch fish with my bucket,” Fresno resident Navah Cheriniak said.<\/p>\n
According to the sheriff’s office, boating patrols will be active across multiple bodies of water during the holiday period.<\/p>\n
Deputies said they will also be watching for unsafe boating behavior, including operating watercraft while impaired.<\/p>\n
“We look for people driving recklessly. We look for people obviously driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage,” Tullus said.<\/p>\n
Under California law, it is illegal to drive a boat or operate a water ski with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08%.<\/p>\n
Officials warned that violations can result in serious consequences.<\/p>\n
“You could get a year in prison, you can get a suspended license,” Tullus said.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement officials are also emphasizing roadway safety during the holiday weekend, as many people travel and gather with family and friends.<\/p>\n
“We’re certainly going to be very careful with whoever is driving and who’s taking the keys home,” Fresno resident Ari Cheriniak said.<\/p>\n
Authorities noted that driving under the influence is not limited to cars. This week, California Highway Patrol officers in Merced arrested a bicyclist after he was spotted riding with an open beer can.<\/p>\n
“You can get a DUI for a car, for being on a bicycle. Any motorized vehicle on a roadway, you can even get it on a horse,” Tullus said.<\/p>\n
Officials said drivers arrested for driving under the influence could face license suspension, fines and possible jail time. People caught cycling under the influence can be arrested and fined $250.<\/p>\n
As holiday festivities continue, law enforcement agencies are encouraging anyone who plans to drink to use a rideshare service or avoid alcohol altogether to help keep roads and waterways safe.<\/p>\n
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