Canal Corporation and Partners Kick Off Operation Dry Water Along Canal System

ALBANY, NY (06/25/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Canal Corporation, together with New York State Police Troop T Marine Unit and officials from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, today kicked off Operation Dry Water along the New York State Canal System. Operation Dry Water, taking place during the weekend of June 26-28, 2009, is an enforcement effort designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Operation Dry Water is a coordinated, national weekend of Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) detection and enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol related accidents and fatalities. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard are coordinating this event.

Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation said, "With the height of the recreational boating season nearly upon us, the Canal Corporation is pleased to stand with our partners today to kick off Operation Dry Water. New York's historic Canal System offers more than 524 miles of scenic waterways to explore and is one of the nation's most pristine boating destinations. When visiting the Canal during this navigation season, we urge all boaters to avoid alcohol when boating to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

Director Mantello was joined by representatives from the New York State Police Troop T Marine Patrol, officials from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and local officials at an event today at Lock E-7 on the Erie Canal in Niskayuna, Schenectady County.

New York State Police Troop T Major Robert Meyers said, "In order to ensure a safe and fun navigation season for all, I encourage recreational boaters to avoid alcohol while boating. As part of Operation Dry Water, the New York State Troop T Marine Unit will be increasing patrols this weekend to make sure boaters are not Boating While Intoxicated."

Commissioner Carol Ash, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation said, "New York's incredible system of canals, lakes, rivers and coastline attracts countless boaters to our waterways for fun and recreation. But it's important to remember that fun boating - for your family and friends as well as all other boaters on the water - begins with safe boating. We strongly urge all boaters to practice responsible and safe boating, which includes avoiding the use of alcohol while operating a boat or personal watercraft."

New York State Marine Enforcement officers, as part of Operation Dry Water, will be one of 43 states and territories out in full force, searching for boaters whose Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds the national limit of .08%. Impaired boaters found to be boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can expect penalties to be severe. They may include fines, jail, and loss of boating privileges.

In order to help with alcohol detection, State Parks Marine Services Unit has purchased 77 Intoximeters for distribution to marine law enforcement patrols across New York State at a total cost exceeding $23,000, using federal Recreational Boating Safety grant money.

The Alco-Sensor FST is a pocket-sized, hand-held breath alcohol tester. It provides a simple, accurate and economical method of determining a subject's breath alcohol level. The FST accepts breath samples directly or passively and allows the operator to position themselves in a manner where they can control the subject, protect their weapon, easily view both the subject and the instrument display while at the same time preventing the subject's breath from being blown in their direction.

In 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 21% of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use. Alcohol can impair a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion - 'stressors' common to the boating environment - intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.

According to the National Recreational Boating Statistics, published annually by the U.S. Coast Guard, deaths, injuries and accidents on the water that result from alcohol involvement have been trending downward from a high of 704 alcohol-related boating accidents in 1998 to 421 accidents in 2007. Even with the downward trend, however, alcohol use is still the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit http://operationdrywater.org.

The Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

The Canal Corporation is a proud supporter of the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, a year long celebration designed to commemorate 400 years of progress in the Empire State. For information regarding the Quadricentennial, please visit www.exploreny400.com

For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.nyscanals.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call 518-474-0445.

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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.