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Lake Powell 2013 Safe Boating OUI Nets Offenders

OUI Photo

Law enforcement agencies cooperated in an OUI Checkpoint on Lake Powell over the weekend

Sedona AZ (August 14, 2013)On Saturday, August 13, 2013, law enforcement agencies in northern Coconino County conducted an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and Boating Safety Checkpoint at Antelope Point on Lake Powell from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the Checkpoint was to identify offenders and get them off the waterways and inform and educate the public of the dangers of impaired boating.

One hundred and fifty four boats and seventeen personal watercraft were checked for safety equipment. Officers and deputies checked operators to identify those who were under the influence of alcohol and or drugs with a total of 28 citations issued to boat operators: 16 for failure to carry required personal flotation devices on board the vessel, 8 for failure to carry required fire extinguisher, 2 for wakeless speed violations, and one for no boat registration.

The number of OUIs was lower than in previous years with only one person arrested for operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol. During a similar boating safety detail in 2012, forty six watercraft operators were contacted, 18 citations were issued and two impaired boat operators were arrested.

First time offenders of Operating Under the Influence face a minimum fine of $1508.88 with the possibility of up to 10 days in jail and mandatory alcohol screening. Fines and jail time increase with intoxication levels of the operator and as multiple offenses increase.

Arizona State Statute allows open alcohol containers in a vessel; however Utah law does not. It is important to note that most of Lake Powell is in Utah and an open container of alcohol in Utah is a criminal offense.

The objective of the weekend checkpoint was to send a clear message to those who are considering operating a watercraft after consuming alcohol or drugs that Operating Under the Influence will not be tolerated – Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober!

More than twenty-five law enforcement officers and deputies from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Page Police Department worked together to insure that this was a safe weekend for those who were Lake Powell boating.

Six volunteers of the Coconino County Page Community Emergency Response Team also assisted with this OUI event.

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For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

1 Comment

  1. More of these proactive interventions are needed on the waterways and on the highways. Semper Fi.

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