Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Launches OPERATION DRY WATER – July 4-6

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

Alcohol consumption continues to be the largest known contributing factor in boater deaths and a leading contributor to boating accidents. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and deaths on the water. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office will educate boaters on how to stay safe on the water and will take enforcement action if necessary.

Operating under the influence applies to both drugs and alcohol. Even some prescription medications can make operating a recreational boat dangerous. Alcohol and drugs can impair a boater's judgment, 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 environmental stressors on boats, such as sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion. It is illegal to operate a recreational boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater 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 deaths on our waterways for everyone who uses them, from boaters to passengers to swimmers. As you prepare to travel our waterways, take the time to ensure the safety of yourself, those for whom you are responsible, and the safety of others traveling on the waterways.