Boaters: Be Aware Of Increased Law Enforcement This Holiday Weekend

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises boaters that they will see more DNR conservation wardens and area law enforcement on the water July 4-6 as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.

Wardens and other participating law enforcement agencies will educate boaters about safe boating practices, including sober boating, across the country.

Alcohol use is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities, and 85% of those who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing life jackets. So far in 2024, there have been four boating fatalities. The DNR’s Boating Incident Report webpage contains information on all fatality reports.

Since Operation Dry Water started in 2009, law enforcement officers across the nation removed 6,869 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways, preventing dangerous and potentially devastating consequences.

If alcohol is involved in your day of boating, have a designated operator. Operating a boat is no different than driving a car.

“Boating while impaired continues to be a problem on our waterways,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR Boating Law Administrator. “As law enforcement, it is our duty to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers and anyone enjoying our waterways have a safe place to spend their time. The tragedies that result from these boating-under-the-influence incidents are 100% preventable.”

Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death and legal consequences. In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating-under-the-influence awareness and enforcement campaign. Its heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend takes place annually around the Fourth of July, a holiday unfortunately known for drinking, boating and deadly incidents.

Follow the safety tips below to safely boat with family and friends.

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
• Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat.
• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time and abilities.
• River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual's boating, paddling and swimming skills.
• Keep an eye on the weather and always tell someone where you are going.
• Create a float plan and tell people when and where you plan to depart and return before going for a float or paddle.

Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting operationdrywater.org. Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Boating Law.