As part of its continuing efforts to reduce the number of drunken boaters operating their vessels on Nevada waters, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOWQ) will hold an OUI checkpoint Saturday, Aug. 16 at Lake Mohave. OUI stands for Operating Under the Influence, and is the boating equivalent of DUI.
The checkpoint is a joint operation that also involves the National Park Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
In Nevada it is illegal to operate or be in physical control of a motorboat or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. A boater with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or more is legally intoxicated.
“Boaters who are found to be operating under the influence will be arrested and booked into jail. It is that simple,” said Captain David Pfiffner, Boating Law Administrator for NDOW.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, “Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16 percent of deaths.” In 2013, 4,062 recreational boating accidents resulted in the deaths of 560 people and $39 million in property damage nationwide. Another 2,620 people were injured.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.
