Latest news with #OperationDryWater
Dominion Post
10-07-2025
- Dominion Post
No boating incidents reported over holiday weekend
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement was thrilled to have zero boating incidents reported statewide over the busy July 4 holiday weekend. For Captain Warren Goodson, the news could hardly have been better. Goodson credits the success to 'Operation Dry Water,' a nationwide initiative focused on keeping boaters sober behind the wheel. The campaign, held annually, is a partnership between the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and states like West Virginia. 'Just like a DUI in a vehicle, operating a boat under the influence is extremely dangerous,' Goodson said. 'It's the same blood alcohol limit, 0.08, and the consequences can be just as deadly.' The educational experience ran last week, corresponding with one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. Despite thousands of boaters taking advantage of warm weather and events like the Charleston Regatta, the state saw no boating incidents. 'That's phenomenal,' Goodson said. 'We'd much rather have people enjoy West Virginia lakes and rivers safely than see any tragedy on the water. It shows these programs work.' Goodson said education and outreach are just as important as enforcement. Boaters born after December 31, 1986, are required by law to complete a boater education course, which is available online and in person. 'Boats don't have brakes,' Goodson said. 'Steering and speed control are different from driving a car. That's why boater education is so important.' Goodson encourages boaters to 'designate a sober skipper' before heading out – someone who commits to staying sober while safely managing the boat. 'It's simple…save it for the shore,' he said. 'Have your celebrations once you're back home.' 'We're not out there to arrest everyone,' Goodson said. 'We're out there to keep people safe and make sure everyone gets home.' To learn more about boater education, safety courses and state boating laws, visit
CBS News
04-07-2025
- CBS News
Sharp rise in water-related deaths prompts Texas to step up enforcement on impaired boating
Texas officials sounded the alarm ahead of the July Fourth holiday after a sharp rise in water-related deaths, including 21 boating fatalities — a 75% increase over the same period last year. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued the safety alert as Texans hit the water for the long weekend, warning that many of the 59 water-related deaths reported so far this year could have been prevented. In addition to the 21 boating-related deaths, the state has recorded 38 open-water drownings, according to TPWD. Memorial Day to June: grim stats From Memorial Day through the end of June, TPWD reported 12 open-water drowning deaths, six boating-related deaths, 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated and 213 citations for life jacket violations. "These aren't just numbers. These are lives lost — friends, family, children — often due to something that could have been prevented," said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD's law enforcement director, in a news release. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 22: People paddle down the Buffalo Bayou during the Buffalo Bayou Regatta on Saturday, March 22, 2024, in Houston. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap Operation Dry Water targets BWI To help reduce the rise in boating-related fatalities, Texas game wardens are joining Operation Dry Water — a nationwide campaign targeting impaired boating over the July Fourth holiday. Alcohol is the primary contributing factor in recreational boating deaths, TPWD said. "Texas game wardens will be out in full force this holiday, working day and night to protect everyone enjoying our lakes, rivers and coastal waters," VanderRoest said. "We have zero tolerance for boating while intoxicated because one reckless decision on the water can have deadly consequences." Hundreds of thousands on the water The call for caution comes as TPWD reports more than 560,000 registered boats and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft on Texas waterways. "If you're drinking and operating a boat, you're not only breaking the law — you're putting lives at risk," said Cody Jones, assistant commander for marine enforcement. "We want your celebrations to end with fireworks and family, not emergency calls and sirens." How to report unsafe behavior TPWD urges anyone who witnesses dangerous behavior on the water to report it by texting the keyword TXOGT and your tip to 847411, using the Texas OGT app (available on iOS and Android) for a possible reward of up to $1,000, or by calling anonymously at (800) 792-GAME (4263). Safety reminders from TPWD Meanwhile, TPWD issued a list of key safety reminders: Wear a life jacket – Required for children under 13. – Required for children under 13. Use an engine cut-off switch – It's the law. – It's the law. Never boat under the influence – Alcohol and water don't mix. – Alcohol and water don't mix. Take a boater safety course – Mandatory for some operators. – Mandatory for some operators. Follow rules for personal watercraft – Know the regulations. – Know the regulations. Be weather-aware and avoid overcrowding – Stay alert and safe. – Stay alert and safe. Avoid saltwater with open wounds – Risk of Vibrio bacteria infection. TPWD vows strong enforcement "Our duty is clear: Ensure every Texan and visitor can enjoy the outdoors safely, and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent to make that happen," VanderRoest said.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Operation Dry Water in effect July 4-6 in Oakland County, Michigan
With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, law enforcement in Oakland County, Michigan, and across the state are stepping up patrols on the lakes. "We're looking for people doing reckless things, making poor choices and trying to prevent those accidents," said Oakland County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Brian Burwell. CBS Detroit With nearly 450 lakes in Oakland County, the most of any county in Michigan, deputies are out in full force this summer, especially the July 4th weekend. It's called Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign that started in 2009 to crack down on boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The campaign kicks off July 4-6. In 2024 alone, 584 people were arrested nationwide, with more than 43,000 citations issued. "When we do encounter people, we try to educate them on the law. Some people are going to get tickets, some might end up getting arrested, but always we're trying to educate people on safe behavior," Burwell said. CBS Detroit Since these efforts began, Burwell says there has been a noticeable difference in people making smarter decisions when on the water. He says oftentimes, when pulled over, people are misinformed. "We've had one recently where the gentleman is driving a jet ski, had never been on one before. He goes full speed through a swim area. But we stopped him. He had no idea what he was doing was wrong because he was misinformed. He doesn't understand what the laws are," Burwell said. Education is a big component of the campaign. However, while having fun is a must when on the water, deputies will be on the lookout. CBS Detroit "We want to raise that awareness to wear your lifejackets, have access to lifejackets, safety equipment, throwable devices, making sure not only do you have those but they're properly sized, properly fit, people understand how to put them on. You always have people say, 'Oh, they're trying to meet their quota in tickets.' It's about keeping people safe," said Burwell. Burwell also encourages people to keep an eye on their surroundings, only swim in designated areas, always make sure there's fuel in your boat, and sign up for a boater's safety course at the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Operation Dry Water in effect this Fourth of July weekend, with impaired boaters on notice
Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? State officials are reminding Minnesota boaters to drive sober this Fourth of July, or spend the holiday weekend in jail. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says as part of the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign, its conservation officers and law enforcement partners will be cruising state lakes and rivers this weekend on the lookout for impaired boaters. Lt. Eric Sullivan, supervisor of the DNR Enforcement Division's Marine Unit, says there's a "zero tolerance" policy for boat drivers who hit the water with a buzz from drugs, alcohol or both. "People who boat under the influence put themselves and everyone else on the water in danger," Sullivan said. "It's a selfish decision that carries with it potentially disastrous consequences." According to the DNR, Minnesota is fourth in the nation for the number of motorized boats, with more than 613,000 registered. That number balloons to more than 822,000 when including other watercraft like canoes and kayaks. The DNR says about 30% of Minnesota boating accidents involve alcohol. Just like driving, the legal limit for boating while impaired is at .08. WCCO "Anyone convicted of operating under the influence – whether they're operating a boat, motor vehicle, or recreational vehicle – loses their privilege to operate those machines," said a DNR spokesperson. State law also requires kids younger than 10 to wear life jackets on boats at all times, and at least one life jacket must be on board for each passenger, including those on paddle boards and kayaks. Experts say 90% of boating fatality victims weren't wearing one. "Oftentimes, boating accidents turn into fatalities because the people who fell overboard weren't wearing a life jacket," said a DNR spokesperson. Operation Dry Water runs from Friday through Monday. More boat safety information can be found on the Minnesota DNR's website. On Tuesday, a new state law went into effect requiring people between the ages of 12 and 21 to have a valid operator's permit to drive a boat, even if it's rented. That law will eventually expand to include anyone younger than 41. NOTE: The original airdate of the video attached to this article is July 1, 2025. , and contributed to this report.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
MSHP encourages making safety part of your Fourth of July plans
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol has set its holiday counting period for the Fourth of July. The counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and will go through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Whether planning to visit one of Missouri's recreational opportunities or hosting a backyard barbecue, MSHP urges everyone to make safety a part of their plans and follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, as well as offer assistance as needed. MSHP will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water- which specifically targets impaired vessel operators, throughout the holiday. During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 were injured in Missouri over the Fourth of July holiday in 1,366 crashes. Troopers also arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2024 counting period. In 2024, there were also 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during the holiday weekend and Troopers made 12 boating while intoxicated arrests. Heading into the holiday weekend, Missouri boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers and being courteous on the water. Boaters are asked never to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. Boaters also need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Fireworks should be left in a safe place on the shore. Boaters are also asked to share the waterway, watch their wake and use common sense, good judgment and courtesy on the water. They are also encouraged to wear life jackets at all times. Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri's roadways or waterways should use the MSHP's Emergency Assistance number, 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app or call 1-888-275-6636.
