TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are set to increase patrols on the water to enforce Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws over the weekend.<\/p>\n
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in deadly boating incidents nationwide, accounting for one in five boating deaths.<\/p>\n
Boating presents unique physical stressors, including prolonged sun exposure, wind, vibration, and motion, which can intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs more rapidly than on land.<\/p>\n
These conditions impair judgment, balance, and reaction time, which the Coast Guard says compound the dangers associated with BUI.<\/p>\n
With the Fourth of July ranking among the busiest boating weekends of the year, the USCG will conduct \u201cOperation Dry Water\u201d throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n
From July 3 through July 5, law enforcement agencies will increase patrols on waterways nationwide to educate boaters and enforce BUI laws.<\/p>\n
Boaters should expect a visible and active law enforcement presence throughout the holiday weekend and beyond.<\/p>\n
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