SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard, federal and local law enforcement crews will be on the lookout for unsafe boating, illegal passenger for hire vessel operations, and people boating under the influence, in support of Operation Dry Water, throughout the July 4th weekend in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Operation Dry Water weekend is held annually near the July 4th holiday, a time known for increased boating activity and prevalent alcohol use, leading to subsequent boating incidents and fatalities. Throughout the weekend, boating safety advocates, volunteers, and law enforcement officers collaborate to promote safe boating practices at marinas and on waterways across all U.S. states and territories. Participating law enforcement agencies will also engage in efforts to identify and remove operators who exhibit dangerous or impaired behavior.
Operating a recreational vessel under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more is illegal and offenders may face termination of their voyage, fines, and up to three years in prison. Additionally, operators of commercial vessels who operate with a level of or greater than .04 percent risk losing their captain’s license.
Mariners can report any unsafe boating activities to the Coast Guard on Channel 16 or by contacting the San Juan Rescue Command Center at 787-289-2041.
“This July 4th weekend the Coast Guard will be out on the water alongside fellow partner agencies advising boaters to exercise utmost caution and follow safe boating practices to avoid preventable incidents in the water,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “Boat responsibly and don’t operate your vessel while under the influence, doing so is unlawful and threatens the collective safety of your passengers, the environment and other people in the water. We want everyone to enjoy their time in the water and return safely to their families.”
The Coast Guard offers the following tips to help you enjoy a safe time on the water:
- Wear a life jacket. Make sure that there is at least one properly fitted life jacket for every passenger and that the life jackets are readily accessible if not worn. All children under 13 must always wear a life jacket.
- Don’t drink and boat. Aside from wearing a life jacket, not drinking and boating is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental deaths on the water. People operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, drugs or impairing medication pose a serious threat to you and anyone else aboard.
- File a float plan. Before you get underway, leave information about your trip with a family member or a friend on shore. Include information that would help rescuers in case of an emergency—how many people are on board, where you are going, how long you will be out, and a description of your boat.
- Inspect your boat and equipment. Make sure your navigation equipment—particularly your navigational lights, if you plan to be out at night—is in good working order. Carry fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, charts of the area and an anchor. Get a free safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure you have all the gear and safety equipment required by your state and federal laws.
- Equip your boat with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An EPIRB is a safety device that automatically transmits an emergency signal when it is placed or floating in an upright position. The signal allows the Coast Guard and other agencies to pinpoint your location.
- Carry a portable weatherproof marine band radio. Cell phones may go out of range or lose battery power when needed most. The Coast Guard, other agencies, and other boaters monitor marine band radios, increasing the number of people who can respond if you’re in trouble.
- Take a boating safety course. Approximately 80 percent of boating deaths occur on boats where the operator had no formal boating safety instruction. The Coast Guard recommends that all boaters take a safety class and a refresher every five years. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers low-cost boating safety courses.
- Check the weather. Check daily weather reports or listen to a marine band radio for sudden changes in weather conditions.
The Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a vessel to verify the captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential. For larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers, ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection, or if they conform to Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.
Anyone with information regarding illegal charter operations is encouraged to contact CGIS here or download the app.
For additional recreational boating safety information, please visit www.uscgboating.org.