FLORIDA — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that Operation Dry Water weekend will take place from July 1 to July 3, in an effort to promote boating safety during the holiday weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • Operation Dry Water weekend will take place from July 1 to July 3

  • The effort is to promote boating safety during Fourth of July weekend

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays across the country

According to FWC officials, Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating under the influence awareness campaign that promotes a national weekend of BUI detection and enforcement in order to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities.

The campaign, which started in 2009, aims to protect lives, promote safe boating practices, ensure legal compliance and foster a culture of responsible behavior on the water, FWC officials said.

FWC officials says that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays across the country, and with more than a million registered recreational vessels, Florida is recognized as the “Boating Capital of the World.”

Last year, law enforcement removed 93 impaired operators from Florida waterways during Operation Dry Water, FWC officials stated.

“Our officers are committed to addressing the issue of impaired boating year-round,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Ensuring the safety and enhancing the overall boating experience for the people enjoying our beautiful waterways is a priority for us. We will be patrolling statewide during the upcoming weekend and throughout the holiday looking for any signs of boater impairment.”

FWC is reminding people that operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to series injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle, FWC says.

Officials said that boaters should designate an operator who will remain sober in order to ensure the safety of everyone with them and around them. Boaters are also recommended to wear a life jacket and take a boating education course. View additional information about boating.