A DNR recreation warden says there's a disconnect by some members of the public between driving drunk on the roads and driving a watercraft while intoxicated. This weekend, law enforcement will be out to hammer home that there is no difference.
Friday through Sunday is the national Operation Dry Water campaign. Warden Jeff Dauterman in Antigo says alcohol is a major contributing factor in most serious recreational crashes. But he says people are aware of driving drunk on the roads, but don't carry that thought to the water...
"....it is the same, it's the same blood alcohol content as driving a car and penalties are similar. The results of crashes from OWI(operating while intoxicated) is similar too...."
In Wisconsin, boaters with a blood alcohol level exceeding .08 are considered legally intoxicated and face similar legal impacts as if they were arrested on the roads. He says all types of motorized watercraft, such as personal watercraft, are also included. Dauterman says expect to see more patrols this weekend to highlight water safety as the July 4th holiday approaches.
