During this upcoming long Fourth of July weekend, lakes and rivers across Minnesota likely will be at their busiest. Among those planning to join those on the water: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and public safety partners, whose aim is to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.
Officers will be out as part of Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide campaign which runs from July 4-7. The campaign highlights the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and calls attention to the heavy penalties associated with boating while intoxicated. The goal is to make the water safer for everyone by removing anyone operating under the influence.
In Minnesota and across the nation, boating while intoxicated is the leading contributing factor to boating accidents and fatalities. While many boaters do the right thing by leaving alcohol on shore, dozens of them are arrested for boating while intoxicated each year in the days surrounding the Fourth of July.
