Lake County Sheriff's Office Joins 'Operation Dry Water' to Educate Boaters About the Dangers of Boating While Intoxicated

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is joining a national effort to increase education and enforcement against boating under the influence of alcohol for the July 4th holiday.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said it is joining the annual Operation Dry Water campaign.

Operation Dry Water weekend runs from July 4-6 and marks a nationwide effort dedicated to increasing boater awareness, education and a coordinated fight against boating under the influence of alcohol.

The sheriff's office said alcohol consumption continues to be the leading known contributing factor to boater deaths and a leading contributor to boating incidents.

Operation Dry Water's mission is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and deaths on the water.

The sheriff's office said it urges boaters to prioritize safety by choosing to boat soberly throughout the year.

The use of legal and illegal drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, posing significant risks on the water, the sheriff's office said.

Participating law enforcement agencies will work to identify and eliminate dangerous and impaired drivers.

In 2023, law enforcement agencies across the country removed 717 impaired drivers from the nation's waterways during Operation Dry Water weekend.

The sheriff's office stressed the importance of boating sober, wearing a life jacket and being courteous to others on the water.

“The risk of serious injury is the same for drivers and passengers when alcohol is involved,” said Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.

“Additionally, alcohol consumption by passengers is a hazard, regardless of the driver’s alcohol consumption. Always choose to boat sober, to ensure the safety of everyone on our nation’s waterways,” Covelli said.