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State Parks Dive Into 'Operation Dry Water'

DENVER (CBS4)- Boaters planning to hit the water this weekend are urged to leave their drink on the shore. Colorado State Parks have signed on for "Operation Dry Water."

Marine officers will be out looking for those who drink and boat. Those caught boating above the legal limit of .08 percent could face a fine, jail time and loss of boating privileges.

"We intend to stop intoxicated boaters and to educate as many boaters as possible about the hazards of Boating Under the Influence," said Kris Wahlers, an investigator with Colorado State Parks.

Gov. John Hickenlooper officially declared June 24 - 26 as "Operation Dry Water" in Colorado and called upon all citizens and agencies to promote awareness of the danger of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

BUI is a primary contributing factor in nearly one-fifth of boating fatalities nationwide and Colorado has gotten tougher in recent years in enforcing laws against this high-risk behavior.

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