From hiking to biking, camping to climbing, on a board of ATV, safety first is the message from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Fire Commission Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The combination of alcohol and hot temperatures can increase dehydration and case a person’s Blood Alcohol Content to reach a higher level more quickly. This can lead to impaired judgment, slowed reaction time and loss of coordination. Elevated BAC levels can impact the body’s ability to process the alcohol consumed and lead to a life-threatening situation, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death.
Recreational activities on the water pose a greater risk of injury and death when alcohol is consumed. In 2024, there were 15 boating incidents, with six fatalities in West Virginia. The WVDNR Law Enforcement Section will be working throughout the summer season to enforce the laws and keep everyone safe. The WVDNR Law Enforcement Section’s efforts increase for “Operation Day Water,” a nationwide enforcement campaign designed to heighten awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence, will take place during the Fourth of July weekend. According to Capt. Goodson with the WVDNR, last year 63 natural resource police officers participated in “Operation Dry Water: and 815 vessels wee contacted. During this three-day campaign, 50 citations were issued, three boating under the influences were issued and 126 boating warnings were issued.
As much as pools, lakes and rivers are part of summer, so are cookouts, fairs, festivals and fireworks. The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that in 2023 there were eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. In addition, Tim Rock, WV State Fire Marshal’s Office public information officer, reported that according to the National Frie Protection Association there are on average 19,700 emergency room visits due to grilling accidents and 10,600 home fires caused by grilling.
Fred Wooton, West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control commissioner, encourages all West Virginians to be safe, responsible and look out for one another this summer season.
