Canal Corporation and Partners Kick off Operation Dry Water and "Wear It New York!" Along Canal System

ALBANY, NY (06/24/2010)(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 (State Parks), today kicked-off Operation Dry Water and the "Wear It New York!" campaign along the New York State Canal System.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "New York's Canal System offers more than 500 miles of pristine waterways for boaters to travel. Whether venturing out on one of New York's magnificent waterways for a relaxing kayak trip or a fishing expedition, I encourage everyone to practice safe and responsible boating, including always wearing a life jacket and abstaining from alcohol."

Operation Dry Water, taking place during the weekend of June 25-27, 2010, 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.

"Wear It New York!", sponsored by State Parks and the National Safe Boating Council, is a public education campaign that asks boaters to sign a pledge to wear their life jackets. As part of the campaign, State Parks is distributing life jackets to pledge signers whose names will be drawn at random. All pledge signers will also be awarded a free tee shirt. The campaign is funded by the National Safe Boating Council.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello was joined by representatives from the New York State Police Troop T Marine Patrol, officials from State Parks, and local officials at an event today at Alcathy's on the Erie Canal in Waterford, Saratoga County.

Director Mantello said, "In the midst of the recreational boating season, the Canal Corporation is pleased to stand with our partners today to kick off Operation Dry Water and the "Wear It New York!" campaign. 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 and wear life jackets to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

New York State Police Troop T Major Robert Meyers said, "We want people to have fun while boating. But BWI has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on NYS waterways."

State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash said, "Boating is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the state's beautiful lakes, rivers and canals. Don't let a pleasant day on the water turn tragic. Avoiding mixing alcohol and boating and always wearing a life jacket are the best ways to make sure your excursion stays fun."

Town of Waterford Supervisor John Lawler said, "The Town of Waterford fully supports Operation Dry Water, anyone operating a boat or watercraft has a responsibility to his passengers and fellow boaters to practice safe boating procedures. We encourage all the boaters who will travel through the Canal System this season, with Waterford as a planned stop, to please do so in a safe and responsible way. We want your visit here to be fun and enjoyable."

New York State Marine Enforcement officers, as part of Operation Dry Water, will be 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.

According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, Boating Under the Influence is still the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, with 17 percent of boating fatalities a direct result of alcohol or drug 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.

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

As part of "Wear It New York!", State Parks is reminding boaters that during the summer, all children under the age of 12 years old must wear a life jacket unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin or on a boat greater than 65 feet. All personal watercraft riders must wear a life jacket as well as anyone being towed behind a boat. All boats must have at least one life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard approved in good condition, proper size and readily accessible) for each person on board. Additionally, motorboats greater than 16 feet in length must have a Type IV throwable device on board.

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 sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference to be held in Rochester, New York from Sunday, September 19, 2010 through Thursday September 23, 2010. For more information about the World Canal Conference please call 585-355-6037 or visit www.wccrochester.org.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority (Authority). Since 1992, following State legislation transferring the Canal System from the New York State Department of Transportation to the Authority, Canal operating and maintenance activities have been supported by Thruway toll revenue.

For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.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.canals.ny.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/.

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