MILWAUKEE, WI (WKZO AM/FM) — Coast Guard stations across Lake Michigan along with state and local law enforcement partners are joining together over the Fourth of July Weekend to ensure the safety of the boaters on Lake Michigan by cracking down on boating under the influence.
The nation-wide Operation Dry Water mission is focused on generating awareness regarding the dangers of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, as well as promoting safe-boating practices, as boating under the influence was one of the top citations given to recreational boaters.
Law enforcement officials say that alcohol is the number one contributing factor in all recreational boating deaths.
They warn those who get caught boating while intoxicated can expect to incur severe penalties to include termination of their voyage, their boat being impounded while being subject to fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges.
Operation Dry Water is a national campaign that occurs every year on Fourth of July weekend.
In 2021, law enforcement officers throughout the nation boarded 328,627 boats, issued 9,495 citations and made 638 arrests for boating under the influence.
