Recreational boating fatalities last year jumped to their highest levels since 1998 and boating under the influence was the leading contributing factor, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2011 statistics.

The report comes just before the Black Diamond Police Department participates in the national Operation Dry Water 2012 campaign. This nationwide campaign focuses on enforcement of BUI laws and educating all boaters to the risks of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Officers will be out on Lake Sawyer in force June 22, 23 and 24. Impaired boaters may expect penalties that include fines and jail time.

“We intend to arrest intoxicated boaters and to educate as many boaters as possible about the dangers of boating under the influence,” said Commander Greg Goral of the Black Diamond Police Department.

According to the Coast Guard, boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs continues to be a major problem.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.operationdrywater.org. For more information on boating in Washington, visit www.boat.wa.gov.