Georgia launching weekend campaign against BUIs

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (AP) -- Law enforcement officials in Georgia are participating in a nationally coordinated effort to discourage boating under the influence (BUI).<br /> <br /> The law enforcement division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources plans to participate in Operation Dry Water from today through Sunday. The initiative is meant to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs while boating and will also include enforcement measures.<br /> <br /> Authorities have arrested 69 people so far this year on Georgia lakes and waterways. They arrested 160 in 2013.<br /> <br /> There were 32 BUI arrests in the state over the Memorial Day weekend, and the bulk of those citations were issued to boat operators on Lake Lanier. (See earlier story. Second link below.)<br /> <br /> The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators began Operation Dry Water in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. It puts thousands of officers on the water right before the Fourth of July, a holiday authorities say is known for drinking and boating.<br /> <br /> (AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/6/276541