The issue Operators in 9 of 71 boats stopped were impaired
Our view This behavior is socially unacceptable on land and water
There are those who will lambast the Missouri State Water Patrol for violating Constitutional rights when they must pass through sobriety checkpoints.
The Supreme Court has ruled random checks do not infringe upon the Constitutionally guaranteed protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
Last weekend, as part of a national effort dubbed “Operation Safe Water”, the Water Patrol conducted a checkpoint at the 9.5-mile marker on Lake of the Ozarks, which was one of five lakes in Missouri spotlighted.
Officers checked 71 boats. Nine operators were arrested after failing to pass a sobriety test.
Our position on this is clear: This is simply unacceptable.
The Water Patrol’s resolve to keep waters safe for sober boaters must remain fair and firm: No favors, no exceptions. Period.
We note the difference between having a couple drinks with friends over dinner and operating a vessel under the influence. One is socially acceptable, the other is not.
We are not against going out on the water and patronizing one of the many establishments that cater to a fun-loving crowd.
But we stand by the old adage, “If you drink, let somebody else drive.”
Use a designated driver – on land AND on the water.
Many lakefront businesses are supporting the use of designated drivers by offering free beverages to patrons bearing floating key chain identifiers.
Perhaps the organizers can explore ways of expanding the program to include discounts on meals for designated drivers.
More lake area businesses need to join and support this program. It’s a good idea that helps them protect their most valuable resource – their customers.
The reality of last week’s haul of drunken boaters will and should only bring more checkpoints. It is the boaters themselves who will determine just how long the campaign lasts.
Over the last couple of years, nearly 10 percent of vehicles stopped on Camden County roadway checkpoints resulted in drunken driving arrests. We are seeing more Missouri State Highway Patrol cars this summer.
Until the numbers of drunken driving and boating arrests decline markedly, we forsee this trend continuing.
We have said this numerous times in the past, and we’ll keep saying it until no longer necessary: If you drink, use a designated driver.
