Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office pushes OPERATION DRY WATER – July 4-6

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office is joining the U.S. Coast Guard, Wisconsin DNR, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and others in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign, a coordinated campaign to educate boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the Operation Dry Water three-day heightened awareness and enforcement, July 4-6, boaters will see an increase in outreach, education and enforcement surrounding boating under the influence.

Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office will be out educating boaters on ways to stay safe while on the water and taking enforcement action when necessary.

Operating under the influence applies to drugs as well as alcohol. Even some prescription drugs can make operating a recreational vessel unsafe. Alcohol and drugs can impair a boater’s judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time. Alcohol and drugs can increase fatigue and the effects of cold-water immersion. Alcohol and drugs can intensify the effects of common boat environmental stressors such as sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion. It is illegal to operate a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher or with a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your system in Wisconsin.

The goal is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities on our waterways for all who use them, from boaters to passengers to swimmers. As you prepare to take to our waterways, take the time to ensure your safety, the safety of those you are responsible for, and the safety of others on the waterways as well.