BUI patrols warn of dangers of drinking and boating

SEATTLE, Wash. — A sobering message awaited anyone out on Lake Washington on this beautiful first Saturday of summer.
 
"Traditionally, July Fourth is a very deadly holiday when it comes to boating," Sgt. Mark Rorvik said, who leads the King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit. "We have the highest number of water-related incidents the Fourth of July holiday."
 
Rorvik said he has seen it too many times. He was asked why it happens so often.

"I think it's just the summertime, warm weather," he said. "People are out recreating on the water.  Whether it be in rivers, lakes, the (Puget) Sound, alcohol is usually a factor. Sometimes drugs are a factor."

Alcohol was a factor in a fatal boating accident on Lake Washington two summers ago.  Renton Realtor Richard Hicks' blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he crashed into a crowded sailboat, killing one of its occupants.
 
Hicks is now serving a 2 1/2 year prison sentence.
 
So the King County's Marine Rescue crew, on this national Operation Dry Water weekend, was spreading the message to stay sober while operating a vessel on the water.
 
Longtime boater Robert Larsen of Seattle, who says he hasn't had a drink for three decades, says he has spread the same message to his young passengers.

So Rorvik gave him a yellow wrist band to "just promote having a sober operator with a boat."
 
"Awesome," Larsen said.
 
The maximum penalty for a BUI is one year in prison and a $5,000 fine — if no one dies. 
 
The King County Marine unit is on the chopping block because of mandatory budget cuts. So this could be its last year patrolling the county's waters.

Cox Media Group