Branch County Marine Patrol out in force for holiday weekend
Branch County Marine Patrol deputies will join nationwide efforts to stop drunken boating this Fourth of July weekend.
"The tragedies that happen on our waterways because individuals choose to boat while impaired is preventable," said Marine Patrol Sgt. Josh Vickers.
His officers will join the national "Operation Dry Water" program. All four Branch County patrol boats with his seven officers will patrol the major lake chains, the north chain, and the Marble Lake to Coldwater Lake south chain.
"There will be one boat roving" to the other lakes in the county.
Expect to see the boats out days and evenings, especially during the fireworks displays on the lakes, to make sure there is boater safety during the fireworks.
"As law enforcement, it is our job to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our recreational boaters and paddlers," Vickers said. "That is why the Branch County Sheriff's Office is joining all 56 states and U.S. territories to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence."
Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Beginning Saturday throughout the July 4th holiday weekend, Branch County Marine Patrol will work to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs for both operators and passengers.
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is equally dangerous for the boat operator and passengers.
Boaters and those on personal watercraft will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints.
Operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal on all bodies of water. It can lead to severe injuries, death, property damage, and legal consequences.
Vickers and his deputies remind those on county lakes and rivers always to boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or around the water.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Branch County Marine Patrol on lookout for drunken boating
