With the July 4th holiday weekend approaching, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and law enforcement partners statewide are reminding boaters to make safe choices on the water as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence (BUI).
From July 3–5, increased patrols will be conducted on Nevada’s lakes, rivers, and waterways as thousands of residents and visitors take advantage of the holiday weekend to recreate on the water. Historically, the holiday weekend brings some of the busiest boating activity of the year and an increased risk of alcohol-related incidents.
“Independence Day is a great time to enjoy Nevada’s waterways with family and friends, but safety needs to come first,” said Game Warden Captain Buck Tingle, Nevada’s Boating Law Administrator. “Alcohol and boating don’t mix. If you choose to drink while operating a vessel, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and other boaters at risk, and you could end your holiday with a BUI arrest.”
NDOW game wardens will be patrolling waterways throughout the state, with additional support from local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. In Southern Nevada, the National Park Service will work alongside NDOW to increase patrol efforts within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Operation Dry Water is a nationwide enforcement and awareness campaign aimed at reducing alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water. The campaign focuses on educating boaters about the dangers of impaired boating while increasing law enforcement presence during some of the busiest boating periods of the year.
“Alcohol remains one of the leading contributing factors in fatal boating incidents,” said Captain Tingle. “It affects balance, reaction time, judgment, and decision-making, skills that are critical when operating a boat. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but the most important thing is making sure everyone gets home safely.”
Boaters are reminded that Nevada’s impaired boating laws apply the same way as impaired driving laws on the road. Designate a sober operator, wear a life jacket, and always have a plan before heading out on the water.
For more information on Operation Dry Water, go here. A full list of participating agencies by state can be found here.
