NewsCovering Colorado

Actions

Boating under the influence: Extra enforcement this weekend

Posted
and last updated

PUEBLO — An enforcement blitz is just getting started at Lake Pueblo State Park and other water recreation areas in Colorado. Operation Dry Water targets Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Those patrolling the water are not trying to hide of keep this campaign a secret. The first goal of the campaign is education and awareness.

The enforcement is also serious. "We do arrest people, take them down to the county jail just like we would for a DUI," said Joe Stadterman with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Penalties are sidebar to concerns about safety. "People like to come out and have fun and we understand that. We're just trying to keep people as safe as we can,” said Stadeterman, “If you look at statistics, a large number of boating fatalities involve alcohol. It is also illegal to boat under the influence of marijuana or other drugs.

The added enforcement happens July 5th through the 7th. There will be more patrols added to daily enforcement.