FDL Sheriff’s Department on Boater Safety

As
pleasant spring weather continues and we eventually transition into summer,
people all across the state will be looking to get out onto lakes and rivers on
their boats. Law enforcement agencies, including the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s
Department, are reminding people about staying safe while out on the water. “Our big goal is the safety factor,” Lieutenant Chris Dobyns
said. “We want people to be out there and enjoy the water, and we want people
to know what they can and can’t do on the water so it’s enjoyable for other
people.” Dobyns says just like driving – boating while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. “So, it’s illegal for someone to
operate a motorboat or use water skis, a surfboard, or other devices if he or
she is under the influence of an intoxicant or a controlled substance and has a
blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater.” He adds that there were
21 boating fatalities in 2018 – and alcohol was present in about 1/3 of those
deaths.

 

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department is offering a boater
safety course in June. Anyone born on or after January 1^st, 1989 is
required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a boat or
personal watercraft in Wisconsin. The course will be held at the City/County
Government Center on June 4^th, 5^th, 11^th and
12^th from 6:30 until 8:30 pm each night. Cost is $10, cash only, and
space is limited. Pre-registration is required for the course – to do that,
email Sergeant Paul Metzger at paul.metzger@fdlco.wi.gov.