New Jersey launches Know Before You Boat safety campaign

New Jersey officials will unveil the month‑long “Know Before You Boat” campaign on Friday, July 31, at a press conference held at Farley Marina in Atlantic City. The initiative runs throughout August, one of the state’s busiest recreational boating periods, and is intended to warn boaters about the dangers of operating vessels while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol is the leading factor in fatal recreational boating incidents nationwide. The campaign outlines penalties for boating under the influence (BUI): a first‑offense BAC of 0.08 %–0.10 % can result in a one‑year suspension of the boating license, a three‑month suspension of the driver’s license, fines, surcharges and up to 30 days in jail; higher BAC levels or repeat offenses carry longer suspensions and harsher penalties.

Participating agencies include the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, and the United States Coast Guard, all of which will increase enforcement during the campaign period.