The King County Council unanimously passed legislation this week giving the Sheriff’s Office the authority to impound vessels of boaters who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Reagan Dunn sponsored the legislation to give public safety officials additional authority to protect persons or property.

“Those that operate boats while under the influence of drugs or alcohol present a serious threat to public safety,” said Sheriff John Urquhart. “Councilmember Dembowski and Coucilmembers Dunn’s ordinance gives our Marine Unit another tool to hold BUI offenders accountable and get our deputies back on the water as soon as possible. I thank them for their leadership on this issue.”

The King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit patrols Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Puget Sound, and many of the rivers and small lakes in King County. The legislation also gives the authority to impound drifting or unattended vessels if the owner cannot be located.