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News Release
ODW Award
ODW Award
JCSO Marine Patrol Wins National Award (Photo) - 09/14/18

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) marine patrol deputies have been recognized for their work in enforcing impaired boating laws.  This week, JCSO received the “Top Agency” award for “Operation Dry Water,” a nationwide effort to keep waterways safe from alcohol-related fatalities.    

On Tuesday, September 11, 2018, JCSO representatives were presented with the award during the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) conference in Indianapolis.  The Oregon State Marine Board nominated JCSO for the honor.  JCSO was one of three agencies nationwide to receive the Top Agency award.

Deputies Jason Denton and Ian Lance combined to arrest nine boaters for boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII) during the “Operation Dry Water” enforcement weekend, June 29 to July 1.  The nationwide event is part of a year-long awareness campaign sponsored by NASBLA.  According to NASBLA, alcohol is responsible for 15 percent of boating fatalities, making it the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. 

Oregon’s laws for driving and boating under the influence of intoxicants (DUII and BUII) are generally similar.  Unlike driving laws, however, Oregon boating laws allow open containers of alcohol in boats, and boat operators are allowed to consume alcohol. 

Like vehicle drivers, however, boat operators must not be impaired to a perceptible degree.  The “legal limit” for both is .08% blood alcohol content.  BUII laws are enforceable on any public waterway and pertain to any kind of boat, including motor boats, rafts, and other paddle craft.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit http://www.operationdrywater.org/boaters.  Information about statewide boating laws and regulations can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board website: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Statewide-and-Local-Regulations.aspx .

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Attached Media Files: ODW Award , Dep Denton and Dep Lance
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