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Lake checkpoint aim is boat safety
Operation SWEEP tries to educate, keep boaters safe
Date published: 8/19/2007
BY KATE HARMON
Boating checkpoints on Lake Anna lasted only 40 minutes yesterday, but law enforcement officers were happy with the results.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries held Operation Safer Waterways Through Enforcement and Education Programs--SWEEP--on Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake.
Sgt. Kenny Dove, in charge of the Lake Anna operation, had three boats available for the checkpoint, which had been scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m.
Officers tried to stop as many boats as possible during the checkpoint. They asked to see registrations, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all on board. They also checked to see that the boats' operators were sober.
That appeared to be a factor in the first stop for Dove and his partner, Senior Officer Joe Dedrick. The stop resulted in an arrest.
The boat, which carried several adults and children, had been on the water since 11 a.m. Dedrick said he suspected the driver was operating under the influence.
The man told officers he'd had eight or nine beers throughout the day. He refused to take a test to determine whether there was alcohol in his system.
After he refused, the man was asked to perform various tests.
Dedrick then made the man get on the patrol boat to be taken to a magistrate. There he would be asked to take a Breathalyzer test and charges might or might not be filed.
Two other officers had to tow the man's boat into the marina because they believed no one else on the boat was capable of driving at the time.
With Dedrick occupied, only the remaining two boats were able to continue patrolling, so Dove called off the checkpoint early.
"If you get one person off the water who's a danger, you've accomplished something," Dove said.
Determining whether someone is operating under the influence is more difficult on water, Dove said.
Balance is a key factor when assessing someone on land, but with waves and currents, officers must look for other signs.
Dedrick said most people are glad to see officers out on the water.
The checkpoints weren't about arresting people, Dove said. They were about education and keeping people safe.
"You don't have to be the one at fault to be in danger," Dedrick said.
The dangerous ones are those who are ignorant of boating laws and safety, Dove added. That's why the state is phasing in operating licenses for boaters.
"I really have high hopes for the new license," Dove said. "We can ensure people have some knowledge."
Kate Harmon: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Email: kharmon@freelancestar.com
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Date published: 8/19/2007
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