In an effort to keep safety a top priority during the Independence Day Weekend, U.S. Coast Guard stations across Lake Michigan are joining with local and state law enforcement partners for “Operation Dry Water.”
The annual effort held each July 4th weekend cracks down on boating under the influence, whether that’s due to alcohol or drugs – legal or otherwise.
Boating under the influence has been one of the top citations issued to boaters and, statistically, alcohol is the top contributing factors in all recreational boating deaths. During last year’s operation, law enforcement officers boarded 328,627 boats nationwide, issued 9,495 citations and made 638 arrests for boating under the influence. Those found to be BUI can expect severe penalties. Besides possibly ending the excursion, the boat could be impounded and the operator subjected to fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges.
Not all focus is on finding impaired operators, though, as safe boating practices in general are one aim of Operation Dry Water.
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