GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With the Fourth of July weekend expecting to be busy out on Lake Michigan, the Coast Guard will also be busy with Operation Dry Water.
The mission is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
Alcohol use continues to be the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Since the commencement of the Operation Dry Water campaign in 2009, law enforcement officers across the nation have removed over 4,700 impaired operators from our nation’s waterways, preventing dangerous and potentially catastrophic consequences. In 2020, 620 agencies from every state and territory took part, boarding 305,466 boats and making 625 arrests for boating under the influence.
Those found to be boating while intoxicated can incur severe penalties, including arrest, vessel impoundment, fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges.
In order to stay safer on the water, the Coast Guard recommends boaters do the following things:
Stay sober
File a float plan — make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back
Always wear your Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Keep a sharp eye on the weather
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