Operation Dry Water this weekend

Conservation wardens and boat patrols will be out in high numbers this weekend on Wisconsin waters patrolling for impaired boat operators as part of the Operation Dry Water campaign.

Operation Dry Water is a national education and enforcement initiative launched by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. It is slated to run from June 22nd through the 24th . The campaign is aimed at deterring boaters from driving intoxicated. The state blood alcohol limit for operating a boat is 0.08. Anyone cited for operating a vessel while intoxicated will be removed from the water for everyone’s safety.

Operating while intoxicated leads to one in five boating deaths nationwide.

"Boaters who choose to operate while intoxicate will face the consequences of that decision," said Roy Zellmer, Department of Natural Resources boating law administrator. "We want recreational boaters to enjoy themselves, but there will be zero tolerance for boating under the influence.”

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