Woonsocket Radio News Room

INCREASED BOAT PATROLS SET FOR THIS WEEKEND

 

Part of national campaign to curb impaired boating

 

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will join partners across the country this weekend for the annual Operation Dry Water campaign – a national crackdown on impaired boating.  DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement will be conducting increased patrols from Friday – Sunday and monitoring for boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

“It is our job as law enforcement officers to identify and remove drunk or impaired boaters from the water – so that everyone can continue to have an enjoyable and safe boating experience,” said Lieutenant Steven Criscione, boating safety coordinator for DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement.  “The effects of impairment on the water can be severe. Boaters tend to have far less experience and confidence operating a boat versus an automobile, and stressors common to boating – sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – can intensify the effects of drugs and alcohol.”

 

The U.S. Coast Guard finds that alcohol use is the leading cause of recreational boating deaths – with 15 percent of all recreational boating fatalities nationwide attributed to alcohol use. According to Rhode Island law, the limits (.08) and penalties are the same for driving and boating under the influence.  Testing standards are also consistent.   

 

"Operating a boat under the influence has impacts both on the water and off,” continued Criscione.  “Many boaters trailer their boats. An intoxicated boater, if undetected, could eventually get behind the wheel of a car and onto our highways – putting countless people at risk. Regardless of whether you personally boat or not, we all have the potential to be impacted by an impaired boater.”

 

Partners in Operation Dry Water include DEM, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, U.S. Coast Guard, and many others. As part of the 2016 campaign, DEM boarded 61 vessels; issued 36 warnings and citations for boating-related equipment, operation, and other violations; and made 3 arrests.

 

For more information on Rhode Island boating laws, visit www.dem.ri.gov.  Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.

-30-

 

 

The Democratic-controlled Senate is quickly dismissing the impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Senate voted to rule both impeachment articles unconstitutional because they did not rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors." Senate Republicans raised several motions to try and kick off a lengthy trial but they all failed along party lines.        Arizona's near-total abortion ban is still law. The Civil War-era law outlaws the procedure except to save the life of the woman and threatens providers with prison sentences between two and five years. The state's House did not repeal law on Wednesday following Democratic lawmakers attempt to do so.        House Speaker Mike Johnson is unveiling his plan to provide military assistance to critical U.S. allies. Johnson released four bills to provide aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan today. The speaker plans to vote on the legislation Saturday evening.        Whistleblowers are accusing airplane manufacturer Boeing of covering up major safety and quality failures. Boeing quality engineer Sam Salehpour testified during a Senate hearing today, and warned Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is unsafe to fly due to assembly flaws. He told lawmakers he raised the issue with leadership for more than three years and was ignored.        Performers at California's Disneyland park are filing a petition to unionize. On Wednesday, Disney performers announced they're ready to hold a vote on union representation. That vote will likely happen in May or June.        Martin Scorsese is eyeing his next several projects. The Oscar-winning director is in talks to shoot Frank Sinatra and Jesus biopics. Variety reports the film on Sinatra would see Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," play the singer with Jennifer Lawrence portraying his second wife.        

Old News Archives