Culver, Ore. – Deputies and Troopers from across the state will converge on Lake Billy Chinook this weekend in an effort to detect and arrest suspected drunken boaters this Friday and Saturday. This event is a coordinate effort between the Oregon State Police, the Oregon State Marine Board, and local Sheriff’s Offices throughout Oregon
From noon Friday August 7th through Saturday August 8th Lake Billy Chinook will have a much larger law enforcement presence on the water. The goal of the operation is to detect boat operators who may be impaired and under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.
Captain Marc Heckathorn of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water but cautions boaters to have a designated driver if they will be drinking alcohol. Too many times I’ve responded to tragedies on this lake and really want people to understand the dangers of boating while impaired the Captain said. These efforts are meant to be very educational to our boating public letting them know we take BUI enforcement seriously. Seeing all the additional law enforcement presence on the lake will surely get people talking and perhaps lead people to make better choices.
Oregon State Police will have their mobile DUII Command Vehicle staged at the lake and our jail will have space available for all persons taken into custody.
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