Operation Dry Water Kicks Off Saturday

(Dodge County) Area law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the U.S. Coast Guard, the DNR, and the State Boating Law Administrators for Operation Dry Water. The campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the three-day operation, held Saturday, July 2nd, through the Fourth, boaters will see an increase in outreach, education, and enforcement surrounding boating under the influence. Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents.

The mission of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. Operating under the influence applies to drugs as well as alcohol. Authorities say even some prescription drugs can make operating a recreational vessel unsafe. They note that alcohol and drugs can impair a boater’s judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time.

Alcohol and drugs can also increase fatigue and the effects of cold-water immersion. It is illegal to operate a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of point-zero-eight (.08) or higher or with a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your system in Wisconsin.