Operation Dry Water in effect at Lake Tobesofkee
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Operation Dry Water goes into effect Friday. State and county rangers will be in full force this weekend looking for any signs of impaired boaters.
“You shouldn’t drink and drive, you certainly shouldn’t drink and boat it’s the same,” says April Green, a mother of five.
Green and Jennifer Scarboro brought their children to Lake Tobesofkee Friday to swim and fish. Both mothers say their families go boating often. Bibb County owns the lake and has a no alcohol ordinance.
“Having my kids out here on the lake it would be dangerous for them, and I think it’s a great family place to come and enjoy your family for the day and not have to worry about that,” expresses Green.
Scarboro adds there are so many stores and restaurants where people can buy alcohol on their way to the lake.
“You don’t need to be drinking especially when there’s a recreation department right here with all these little kids, that are gonna be here and especially on the fourth,” adds Scarboro, a mother of two.
State Ranger David Fisher warns its annual boating and drinking crackdown starts Friday and will continue through the weekend.
“Operation Dry Water is a multi-agency effort to spread an awareness and educate the public about the dangers of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” explains Fisher.
The United States Coast Guard started Operation Dry Water to prevent DUI boating fatalities. County and state rangers are doing this awareness a week early in preparation of the busy fourth of July holiday weekend. They hope it will prevent more people from breaking the rules while enjoying their visit to the lake.
“Our holidays are usually more busy as far as the violations that we get especially alcohol,” says Fisher. “Last fourth of July was one of our busier holidays. We actually did see a pretty good bit of alcohol out here. We did make an arrest for DUI last year on lake Tobosofkee.”
Bibb County Ranger Donald Bracewell warns they look into complaints of impaired boaters.
“We have enough probable cause to stop that boat and check,” adds Bracewell. “We will also make sure you have a life vest on board and all the other equipment at all times.”
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