In the wake of the nationwide law enforcement campaign to curb drinking and boating, the results of Operation Dry Water in Maine are now in. Maine game wardens reported heavy boating traffic during a recent three-day focus on safe boating compliance. Eighty game wardens participated, spending more than 1,200 hours enforcing recreational boating rules, inspecting approximately 2,500 watercraft with 5,400 operators and passengers.

While most boaters adhere to the rules of safety on the water, those that were found in violation of Maine’s boating laws received either a warning, were summonsed to court or arrested, according to a news release July 6 from the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

The most common violations related to safety equipment, registration requirements, safe operation and boating while intoxicated, the release said.

More than 100 summonses and 328 warnings were issued to boaters over the first weekend in July.

Eight people were arrested for boating while intoxicated across Maine with the highest blood alcohol content (BAC) coming in at .22 BAC, Maine’s BAC limit being .08 for those 21 years old or more, the release said.

Game wardens encountered close to 50 non-boating related violations as well, two of which pertained to adults who provided a location for minors to consume alcohol, IF&W said.

“This focus for Maine’s game wardens will remain all summer, keeping waterways safe while removing operators from the water found drinking and boating,” the release said. “All boaters are reminded that boating laws exist to keep us all safe as we enjoy Maine’s 6,000 lakes, rivers, and ponds. Maine game wardens urge everyone to help keep this summer safe.”