Countywide : Harbor Patrol Targets Intoxicated Boaters

The Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol is beefing up its staff to watch over the increasing number of boaters who take their vessels out during the warmer weather.

Officials say there will be an added deputy on patrol from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the Friday after Labor Day weekend.

Harbor Patrol deputies and Coast Guard crews say they will be on the lookout for intoxicated boaters.

“When we have trouble, it’s normally alcohol and speed together,” said Sgt. J. R. Wilson of the sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, stationed in Newport Beach.

Since January there have been three arrests for boating while intoxicated, said Sgt. Mike Hiller of the Harbor Patrol.

Last year 10 people were arrested for allegedly operating boats while intoxicated. There were 11 arrests in 1993, said Sgt. Andy Decker of the Harbor Patrol.

In California, boat operators with a blood-alcohol level of .08% are considered drunk--the same level as for motorists. Since 1988, operating a boat while intoxicated has been a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. Petty Officer Daniel Tremper of the U.S. Coast Guard said authorities also will be making sure all boaters have life jackets.

A new law effective May 1 requires boats smaller than 16 feet to have a life jacket for every person aboard. Floating cushions and throw devices are not acceptable, Tremper said.

Tremper said because the law is fairly new, owners of smaller boats have a grace period until June 30. In the meantime, officers will issue a written warning.

“Eighty-five percent of all boating fatalities could have been prevented if they were wearing their life vests,” said David Johnson, a spokesman for the California Department of Boating and Waterways.