Officials warn boaters to sail sober during Aquapalooza
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reminded boaters Saturday to sail sober during this year’s Aquapalooza.
Law enforcement officials told the public earlier in the week to point out the dangers of boating under the influence during the unofficial event, which has gained a reputation for drunk boating.
The DEM said that Environmental Police officers will be out “in force” to look for boaters who are under the influence and remove them from the water.
“The tragedies that happen on our waterways because individuals choose to boat while impaired are totally preventable,” the department said on social media.
Today is expected to be the summer’s busiest day on Narragansett Bay. Environment Police Officers will be out in force looking for boaters who choose to boat under the influence + removing them from the water. The tragedies that happen on our waterways because individuals… pic.twitter.com/isfK5B3ocC
— Rhode Island Dept of Environmental Management (@RhodeIslandDEM) July 29, 2023
It added that U.S. Coast Guard statistics show drunk boating to be the leading contributor to recreational boater deaths.
The DEM is also closing the shellfishing area off of Prudence Island, where the event is held, until Aug. 5.
This is to give ample time for excess sewage and other pollutants that are released during the event to diluter.
“With so many boats concentrated in such a small area for hours, federal and state public health guidance requires that the shellfish harvest area, which includes all of Potter’s Cove, be closed to protect public health,” the department said.
