Know the Facts about Boating & Drinking

Operating a Motorboat or Sailboat While Intoxicated –Boaters are reminded that alcohol reduces reaction time and the ability to make quick, sound judgments in an emergency situation. Also, wind, sun, glare off the water, and water movement multiplies the effects of alcohol.  The current blood alcohol level for boating while intoxicated (BWI) is .08 percent – the same as a motor vehicle as of July 2011. 

Operating a motorboat or sailboat while under the influence of alcohol (.08 alcohol level or higher), a controlled substance, or other illegal chemical is unlawful. For the purpose of BWI, "operating a motorboat" means the motorboat is powered by a motor that is running. For the purposes of BWI, "operating a sailboat" means the sailboat is either powered by a motor that is running or has sails hoisted and is underway. Operators who are impaired may be required to take tests by an enforcement officer to determine their sobriety. Anyone refusing to test will be charged a penalty.  All navigable waters in the state of Iowa will be subject to the new law, except farm ponds and privately owned lakes.

First Offense: A Serious Misdemeanor – A serious misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in county jail for at least 48 hours.
• Assessment of a fine up to $1,000.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for one year.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

Second Offense: An Aggravated Misdemeanor – An aggravated misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in county jail or community-based correctional facility for at least seven days.
• Assessment of a $1,500 to $5,000 fine.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for two years.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

Third Offense: A Class "D" Felony – A class "D" felony can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in the county jail for 30 days to one year.
• Assessment of a $2,500 to $7,500 fine.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for six years.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

Consequences of Refusing to Test – Refusing to submit to a breath or chemical test can result in a $500 fine and a one year suspension of boat operating privileges. If the offender, during the second offense, refuses to submit to a test, a $1,000 fine will be assigned plus suspension of boat operating privileges. Third-time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine and suspension of boat operating privileges. 

Questions & Answers
Can I drink alcohol on the boat?  Yes, consuming alcohol is permissible on the boat, but remember the operator is not to be under the influence.

Will a boating while intoxicated (BWI) offense affect my driver's license?  No, a boating while intoxicated (BWI) offense will not be transferred to your automobile driving records.

How much alcohol can I consume to be considered legally drunk?  That depends on the individual. Use extra precaution while drinking on the boat because sun, wind and movement can quickly amplify the effects of alcohol and disorient the operator or passengers.

The information for this article came from the Iowa DNR website.  For more information contact Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 or at webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov

Van Buren County IPFS Project Update

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition was awarded the Iowa Partnership for Success (IPFS) Grant in February, 2015 to address underage drinking and youth binge drinking in Van Buren County.  The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition’s IPFS project is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

During the 2015 Fiscal Year the coalition completed the assessment and capacity building phases of the grant.  This included completing a thorough assessment of the available data (Iowa Youth Survey, Law Enforcement, Juvenile Courts, etc.) for Van Buren County, reviewing the underage drinking issues and current consequences for underage drinking in the county.  The coalition also completed a survey that included interviews with Van Buren County community members to determine the level of understanding the community had for underage drinking and youth binge drinking issues in the county and how they are being handled.  To increase the ability of the coalition to address the underage drinking and youth binge drinking issues in the county the coalition examined its current ability and resources to address the issues and began to invite missing community members and organizations to the table to build its capacity. 

During the 2015-16 Fiscal Year the coalition continued to build its capacity, which included recruiting community members to participate in the coalition meetings and work and communicating with key stakeholders in the county.  The coalition also completed a written plan that outlined the services to be provided to address underage drinking and youth binge drinking in Van Buren County based on the data from the assessment.  The plan included choosing prevention strategies to address the issues and ways to ensure strategies would be implemented accurately and in line with the expectations of the developers.  In June, 2016 the coalition began implementing the five chosen prevention strategies. 

During the 2016-17 Fiscal Year the coalition is continuing to build capacity and address the five strategies it was funded to work on as follows:  

1) Alcohol Restrictions at Community Events at Privately Owned Facilities: The coalition has begun working with privately owned facilities to help them implement alcohol policies focused on the Best Practices for Alcohol Service at their location.  Two facilities have established a “No Alcohol Allowed” policy. 

2) Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places: The coalition researched what alcohol restriction policies are being followed in each town and the county.  Coalition members will be visiting with each city council in July to present them with information on policies they could use in their town that would address the availability of alcohol to youth in public places, such as: public parks and community ball fields. 

3) Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth: The coalition worked with the Van Buren Community School District to implement the Life Skills Training Program in the 7th and 8th grades.  A teacher and two coalition members were trained to deliver the curriculum and materials were purchased.  All of the 7^th and 8^th grade students completed the curriculum by the end of the 2016-17 school year. 

4) Underage Drinking Prevention Media Campaign: The coalition has worked with local media outlets to implement IDPH’s “What Do You Throw Away” underage drinking prevention media campaign.  It is currently displayed on the billboard in Keosauqua; posters in the Van Buren County Hospital & Clinics; posters and screensavers at local libraries; posters, electronic billboard ads, and computer backgrounds at the Van Buren Community Middle/High School; posters at the Keosauqua Pool; posters at the Lacey Keosauqua State Park; and posters in local convenience stores. 

5) Social Host Ordinance: A Social Host Ordinance would address the problem of adults knowingly providing a place for an underage drinking party.  The coalition currently is working to decide on whether or not a county wide social host ordinance can be implemented.  If it cannot then the coalition will work with the local towns to implement a Social Host Ordinance for their towns. 

For more information on the Van Buren County IPFS Project or to join the coalition and its work please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or info@vbsafecoalition.com

This Fourth of July, Help Us Spread the Message That - Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

We often hear statistics that we only briefly register and then just as quickly forget, assuming—hoping—that those statistics will never touch us. How could we possibly know those faceless numbers? In 2015, 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving-related car crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. That is 10,265 mothers, fathers, children, siblings, friends, grandparents, and so many more. To put it into perspective, that’s one person killed every 51 minutes. It’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing, with no survivors. Where is the outrage?

This year, families and friends will head out to picnics and parties on Tuesday, July 4, to celebrate our nation’s independence. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the SAFE Coalition and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration want to remind you that any time you drive under the influence of alcohol, you put everyone in danger, including yourself. Don’t be a 2017 statistic—help us spread this lifesaving message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

In every state and the District of Columbia, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Yet, during the 2015 July Fourth holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6), 146 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving at least one drunk driver or motorcycle operator (BAC of .08 or higher), accounting for a quarter of the deaths. Ninety-two people died in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .15 or higher—nearly twice the legal limit.

This Fourth of July, the Sheriff’s Office and SAFE Coalition are asking the community to make a plan before heading out to the holiday festivities. Every year, we see the devastating consequences of those who choose to drink and drive. Some years, our very own community is affected by drunk driving. This senseless behavior must end. There are so many other options available to get you home safely. Not using these resources is reckless and irresponsible.

NHTSA data shows that young drivers (18 to 34 years old) are especially at risk of driving drunk. In fact, 46 percent of the drivers 18 to 34 years old who were killed in crashes over the July Fourth period in 2015 were driving drunk (BAC of .08 or higher). Motorcycle operators are also overrepresented with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2015, more than a third (36%) of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher.

Drunk drivers are also more common at night. Over the July Fourth holiday period in 2015, nearly half (44%) of the drivers in nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired, compared to 19 percent of drivers in fatal crashes during the day.

We’re at the mercy of the community. It’s up to you to be responsible when you drink alcohol. Please, please—always designate a sober driver, even if you think you’ll only have one drink. Drinking and driving is never a good idea, and it endangers you and everyone around you. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve just had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use public transportation to get home safely. The Sheriff’s Office and SAFE Coalition recommend these safe alternatives to drinking and driving.

·         Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s ITunes Store for IOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so they can be picked up.

·         If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

·         Know a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Drinking and driving is dangerous, even if you’re “just buzzed.” When you drive impaired, you risk your life and safety, and the lives and safety of those riding with you and around you. Does mortality not get your attention? Maybe money will: A DUI arrest could cost you up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of your vehicle and only driver’s license. You could face jail time, higher insurance rates, and hefty expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs, and lost time at work.

This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.

DISCOUNTED ADVENTURELAND TICKETS

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition has discounted tickets for Adventureland.  The cost per ticket is $22.  The tickets are good any day until June 30, 2017.  This is due to the inability of the park to open during the first Substance Free weekend due to inclement weather.  These tickets to Adventureland are to increase awareness of Drug Prevention Programs in the state of Iowa.    

This Substance Free event is a great way to spend a fun filled day with family and friends.  You may purchase these tickets for your entire family/group while supplies last.  Admission will not be available at this price at Adventureland during this event.  If you are interested in going to Adventureland between now and June 30^th please contact the SAFE Coalition by phone at 319-293-6412.  

2016 Iowa Youth Survey Results

The Iowa Youth Survey is conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Health's Division of Behavioral Health in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning and Statistical Analysis Center, and the Iowa Department of Human Services.

In the fall of 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 students in the 6th, 8th, and 11th grades across the state of Iowa answered questions about their attitudes and experiences regarding alcohol and other drug use and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family, school, and neighborhood/community environments.  In 2008 the survey was administered online for the first time.

The 2016 Iowa Youth Survey county reports are designed to help local and state-level planners, community agencies, and school personnel identify youth development needs, implement relevant, targeted interventions, and assess outcomes. IYS data can assist in providing a better understanding of students in Iowa and their needs. It can also help to assess the strengths and challenges of schools, families, and communities from the young person’s perspective. In addition, IYS data may be used to obtain funding for a wide variety of programs and services. The Iowa Youth Survey has proven to be a valuable resource in youth needs assessment, program development, implementation, and outcome evaluation.

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition has seen remarkable results in youth alcohol and tobacco use over the last 12 years based on Iowa Youth Survey results. The SAFE Coalition has been focusing primarily on reducing youth alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use.  The below charts show the trends from 2002-2016 related to alcohol and marijuana. You may obtain a full copy of the Iowa Youth Survey at: http://www.iowayouthsurvey.iowa.gov or by contacting the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412.

DISCOUNTED ADVENTURELAND TICKETS

Dads, could your kids be at risk for substance abuse?

Families strive to find the best ways to raise their children to live happy, healthy and productive lives.  Parents are often concerned about whether their children will start or are already using drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and others, including the abuse of prescription drugs.  Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has shown the important role that parents play in preventing their children from starting to use drugs.

These five questions, developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon, highlight skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth.  For each question, there is a video clip on line at http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup that shows positive and negative examples of the skill and additional videos and information are provided to help you practice.  

Questions:

1. Are you able to communicate calmly and clearly with your teenager regarding relationship problems?
2. Do you encourage positive behaviors in your teenager on a daily basis?
3. Are you able to negotiate emotional conflicts with your teenager and work toward a solution?
4. Are you able to calmly set limits when your teenager is defiant or disrespectful? Are you able to set limits on more serious problem behavior such as drug use, if or when it occurs?
5. Do you monitor your teenager to assure that they do not spend too much unsupervised time with peers?

For more information on talking to your teens about substance abuse please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or by email at info@vbsafecoaliton.com.  For other resources please checkout the coalition’s website at www.vbsafecoalition.com or on Facebook – Van Buren County SAFE Coalition or on the coalition’s blog at http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com

Article and data provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Website. 

References

1. Dishion, T.J.; Nelson, N.E.; Kavanagh, K. The Family Check-Up with high-risk young adolescents: Preventing early-onset substance use by parent monitoring. Behavior Therapy 34: 553-571, 2003.
2. Dishion,T.J.; Kavanagh, K.;  Schneiger, A.;  Nelson, S.; Kaufman, N.K. Preventing early adolescent substance use: A family-centered strategy for the public middle school. Prevention Science 3 (3): 191-201, 2002.

Adventureland Tickets

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition has discounted tickets for Adventureland.  The cost per ticket is $22.  The tickets are good any day until June 30, 2017.  This is due to the inability of the park to open during the first Substance Free weekend due to inclement weather.  These tickets to Adventureland are to increase awareness of Drug Prevention Programs in the state of Iowa.    

This Substance Free event is a great way to spend a fun filled day with family and friends.  You may purchase these tickets for your entire family/group while supplies last.  Admission will not be available at this price at Adventureland during this event.  If you are interested in going to Adventureland between now and June 30^th please contact the SAFE Coalition by phone at 319-293-6412.  

100 Things to Do to Beat Summer Boredom

Summer is just beginning and you do not want to be thinking, saying, or hearing; “I’m bored” in the next few months. Below is a list of 100 things you can do to beat summer boredom. Write each of these things on a piece of paper and put it into the summer fun jar and when you get bored draw one out and have fun! Challenge yourself to accomplish all 100 before school starts.

If your kids start to suffer from summer boredom, let them come up with their own ideas for fun summer activities to put into the fun jar.  When you let children come up with their own solutions to boredom, you’re helping them develop important problem-solving skills and they will take ownership in the activity.

As the summer progresses, new ideas can be added to the jar. Then when the children get bored, they can reach into the jar for a fun activity. And, you’ll be less likely to hear, “I’m bored!”  

1.       Go hiking in the park

2.       Ride your Bike

3.       Go swimming at the lake or pool

4.       Paint a picture

5.       Play a board game

6.       Get out the hose and sprinkler

7.       Go horseback riding

8.       Go to the Library

9.       Go on a nature scavenger hunt

10.    Go fishing

11.    Have a talent show

12.    Go Camping

13.    Have a pet parade

14.    Hold a lemonade stand

15.    Tie Dye Shirts

16.    Build a sandcastle

17.    Make a collage with magazine pictures

18.    Have a pizza decorating contest

19.    Go to a baseball game

20.    Start a hobby

21.    Scrapbook some photos

22.    Go bowling

23.    Go to a water park

24.    Visit a museum

25.    Do a science experiment

26.     Pick a bouquet of flowers

27.    Blow Bubbles

28.    Make homemade ice cream

29.    Have a fashion show

30.    Finger paint

31.    Create Sidewalk Art

32.    Rent a canoe and go canoeing

33.    Write a letter to a pen pal

34.    Write or draw your own story book

35.    Start a journal

36.    Make a home movie

37.    Play catch

38.    Have a puppet show

39.     Play twister

40.    Wash the car at home

41.    Go miniature golfing

42.    Make mud pies

43.    Have a picnic

44.    Play croquet

45.    Catch fireflies

46.    Go hunting night crawlers

47.    Color in a coloring book

48.    Do a craft project

49.    Paint your room

50.    Throw a Frisbee

51.    Fly a kite

52.    Read stories

53.    Throw water balloons

54.    Play red rover

55.    Have a garage sale

56.    Build a fort

57.    Play a musical instrument

58.    Walk a dog

59.    Go to a concert

60.    Have a pancake party

61.    Plant a garden

62.    Go skateboarding

63.    Play hopscotch

64.    Do a good deed for a neighbor

65.    Clean up trash in the park

66.    Take pictures in nature

67.    Play with play dough

68.    Dance

69.    Clean your closet

70.    Design, plan and make a meal for the family

71.    Conquer a Rubix cube

72.    Hula hoop

73.    Jump on a trampoline

74.    Make root beer floats

75.    Have a fashion show

76.    Start a collection (stamps, rocks, coins)

77.    Ride a 4 wheeler

78.    Make a quilt

79.    Go shopping at a garage sale

80.    Read a magazine

81.    Play horseshoes

82.    Swing on a swing set

83.    Bake a cake

84.    Play baseball

85.    Make a smoothie

86.    Go to a fair

87.    Play basketball

88.    Play wiffle ball

89.    Play charades

90.    Go golfing

91.    Build a Lego creation

92.    Play badminton

93.    Adopt a pet from a shelter

94.    Have a pedicure party

95.    Play beach volleyball

96.    Jump rope

97.    Read a newspaper

98.    Play tennis

99.    Create a new recipe

100. Go to a farmers market

For more information on how to get involved with your kids this summer visit the SAFE Coalition at www.vbsafecoalition.com or Van Buren County SAFE Coalition on Facebook!