Oakland County Sheriff to increase patrols on lakes for July 4 holiday

Boating safety and alcohol regulations will be enforced more strictly for three days as part of Operation Dry Water, a national awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing accidents and deaths related to alcohol and drugs on the water, the sheriff's office said.

“Whether you’re driving a car or boating, don’t drink alcohol while driving. Protect yourself, your family and your friends,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement. “We want everyone to enjoy the many things that make Oakland County such a desirable destination, but we want vacations to be safe.”

The Sheriff's Office's Marine Unit is comprised of 45 part-time emergency response marine deputies and 17 full-time deputies trained in search and rescue diving.