'Operation Dry Water' Targets Boating Under the Influence Nationwide

Over the July Fourth holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies across the United States will focus on preventing impaired boating as part of the annual Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, taking place July 4 - 6, 2025. Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a national initiative aimed at reducing alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. As part of the campaign, Law Enforcement Officers will be on heightened alert for violations of boating under the influence (BUI) laws, promoting the safety of all boaters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will kick off the 2025 ODW weekend with a national launch event. The three-day Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend will be taking place nationwide July 4 - 6, 2025. The year-round campaign raises awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) and reminds boaters that impaired boating by both the operator and passengers is dangerous and can cause serious injuries and fatalities.

"Operation Dry Water is crucial in reminding boaters that safety on the water starts with sober boating," said NASBLA Chair Lieutenant Curt Lewis. "Operating a boat while impaired is dangerous and can have fatal consequences. It's essential for both operators and passengers to stay sober to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water." Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater fatalities and a leading factor in recreational boating incidents. The goal is to combine education and enforcement to significantly reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents. In 2024, Florida reported 685 boating accidents, resulting in 81 fatalities, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This marks a 26-accident and 22-fatality increase over 2023 incidents.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary promotes safe recreational boating in many ways. We teach safe boating classes. We provide free Vessel Safety Examinations to ensure that recreational boats have all the required safety equipment and that it is in good working order. For further information about other U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary programs, please contact the Naples Flotilla at (239) 261-7375 or visit us at: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-03.