The Independence Day holiday means time on the water for boaters across the United States. This heightened public presence on the water often leads to an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. 1 In response, from July 4 – 6, The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will actively participate in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend. During this time, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including the importance of sober boating, with the goal of enhancing boating safety nationwide. As the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, alcohol use is a serious concern. 2 As part of Operation Dry Water, The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will actively work to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs for operators and passengers alike. Boaters will see an overall increase in officer patrols on the water. The top priority during this time is the safety of all boaters on the water, and any impaired boater or individual posing a danger to others will be promptly removed from the waterways. In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water. Operation Dry Water is a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence, aiming to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities. The campaign increases recreational boater awareness and creates a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Visit operationdrywater.org, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety, or call the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Recreation Patrol at (920)386-4106 for more information about boating under the influence.
