Authorities On Heightened Lookout For Drunk Boaters
DENVER (CBS4) - Law enforcement across the state is on the lookout for boaters under the influence.
This weekend is the national weekend of heightened enforcement on drinking and driving in boats.
Rangers are conducting checkpoints at lakes and reservoirs statewide.
Out on the water at Cherry Creek Reservoir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ranger Guthrie Lowe was keeping an eye out for hazards. He stopped boaters for safety checks to make sure that boats met all requirements.
Guthrie was also on the lookout for drunk drivers, especially now during Operation Dry Water.
CBS4's Melissa Garcia spoke with Donovan Murray, a responsible boater.
"For the most part, I think a lot of people are pretty responsible out here," Murray said. "A couple of weekends ago, I saw a guy back his truck all the way into the water."
This weekend's heightened enforcement means more patrols are out.
BUI, or boating under the influence, is just as serious as driving a car under the influence.
If a ranger suspects drinking behind the wheel, he will typically conduct a field test and then a breath test from right inside the boat.
It is also illegal to boat while high on marijuana or other controlled substances.
"Because there's not a breath test for those, you are required to submit a blood sample. You don't get the option like you do if we suspect alcohol," said Lowe.
Anything over .08 BAC won't just land boats a ticket; it will also land them in jail.
Law enforcement agents said that getting drunk drivers off the water saves lives.
"Boating under the influence is the leading contributing factor in boating-related accidents and deaths," Guthrie said.
Boaters driving under the influence can expect to be arrested, have their boat impounded, pay fines, spend time in jail, and lose their boating privileges for a year.
Rangers said that the best way for boaters to avoid that is to designate a sober driver for their boat, just like they do for their car.
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
