Officials target drinking, boating

Penalties on the water identical to those on land

By LISA BEISEL, Staff Writer

Published 07/04/09

It's a good weekend to take to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to celebrate, but officials are warning boaters to watch their alcohol consumption to ensure a safe outing.

Sgt. Art Windemuth, spokesman for state Natural Resources Police, the agency that patrols the waterways, said the laws regarding alcohol for the water are identical to those for the road, as far as the operator is concerned.

For a blood-alcohol level of .07 to .08 percent, a person can be arrested for operating while impaired, and for a level of .08 percent and higher, a person can be arrested for operating under the influence.

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J. Widmayer - 2009-07-09 11:40:07

I agree with you J.W. I have a question, what if the person driving the boat does not have a drivers license?

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Michelle B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral

Drinking and Boating - 2009-07-04 08:07:59

While I do not condone drinking and boating, perhaps someone can explain how the penalties are the same. Do you lose your motor vehicle (drivers) license for not taking a breathalyzer? How is the field sobriety test given? Perhaps a little more information is required. Inquiring minds want to know.

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J. Widmayer - Annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral