JUNE 18, 2024: Indiana's ties to the maritime world date back to its days as the Indiana Territory. The famous Corps of Discovery expedition, later known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, began when Meriwether Lewis met William Clark in what is now Clarksville, Indiana. From there, they navigated down the Ohio River corridor and up the Mississippi River, officially starting their expedition in St. Louis, Missouri.
The state boasts 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline along Lake Michigan, and 35,000 miles of rivers and streams. Known as the "Hoosier State" and "The Crossroads of America," Indiana is home to 6.6 million people and the seventh-largest inland port in the country, located in Mt. Vernon.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Law Enforcement Division is the largest maritime law enforcement entity in the state, with 176 officers operating across 10 districts. In 2023, Indiana had 200,616 registered recreational vessels. DNR officers dedicated 17,493 hours to water patrol, conducting 18,352 vessel inspections.
The Indiana DNR takes a stringent approach to boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement. In 2023, officers made 58 BUI arrests, a 33% increase from 2022 but still lower than the 10-year average of 76. Over the past decade, there have been 763 BUI arrests, reflecting the DNR's commitment to keeping waterways safe.
The Indiana DNR has actively participated in NASBLA’s Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign since its inception in 2009. This initiative aims to reduce boating under the influence (BUI) incidents and fatalities by raising awareness of the dangers of impaired boating. Operation Dry Water's heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend takes place annually around July fourth, a holiday unfortunately known for drinking and boating, and deadly incidents. During the July 1 - 3, 2023 weekend, Indiana law enforcement conducted 868 boat inspections and made 11 BUI arrests.
Boating safety is a top priority for the Indiana DNR. In 2023, there were 64 boating incidents, a decrease from 72 in 2022. However, there were still four boating fatalities statewide. To enhance boating safety, the DNR conducted 77 boater education classes, totaling 462 hours of instruction.
The DNR's continuous dedication to boating safety, rigorous enforcement of BUI laws, and participation in Operation Dry Water ensures that Indiana's waterways remain safe for all who use them. As the state continues to grow and attract more recreational boaters, the DNR’s efforts will remain a critical component of Indiana’s commitment to safety and responsibility on the water.
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