Just as summer is heating up, so are patrols by law enforcement to try and stop people who may be “boating under the influence” (BUI). Law enforcement around the country is gearing up for Operation Dry Water which to crack down on BUI’s on the water. The goal of this enforcement is to increase safety on the water so that this recreational activity can be enjoyed with less fear of “drunk boaters.” Just as serious as drinking and driving, so is drinking and operating a boat. The potential legal consequences as well as the safety of others on the water are essentially the same. Recent statistics show that up to 16% of boating fatalities result from boating while under the influence. Sadly, almost any accident involving other boats or swimmers almost always results in serious injury and/or death. There are no seatbelts or airbags on a boat. At a minimum, people suffer broken bones.
If you have had a couple drinks and feel as though you should not operate a motor vehicle, the same applies to the operation of a boat. The article below is a stark reminder of how serious the consequences can be. Have fun out at the lake or river. Please be safe, not only for others but for yourself as well.
The DUI attorneys of Reeves Aiken & Hightower LLP stand ready to fight for you and your family if you have been seriously injured by a drunk boater. We encourage you to visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com and carefully compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other firm. You can then call us toll-free at 877-374-5999 for a private, confidential consultation to review your particular case.
Man arrested in deadly boat collision on Ga. lake
By JEFF MARTIN
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) – Crews will resume their search Wednesday for a 13-year-old boy who disappeared in a Georgia lake after a fishing boat rammed a pontoon boat, killing a 9-year-old boy and injuring three other passengers on the vessel.
Authorities said the fishing boat left the area after the Monday night collision. Searchers using sonar found no trace of the missing youth Tuesday and authorities in Hall County said the search would continue Wednesday.
They said 44-year-old Paul J. Bennett of Cumming was arrested Tuesday and charged with boating under the influence. A home number for Bennett could not be located, and it wasn’t known whether he has an attorney representing him.
There were 13 people aboard the pontoon boat when it was struck.