PIERRE, S.D. – Independence Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the water, with millions of boaters across the United States taking to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This increased activity often leads to a rise in boating incidents and fatalities.
To address this issue, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign, from July 4–6. In the days leading up to and during the campaign, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, emphasizing the importance of sober boating to help ensure a safer experience for all recreational boaters.
Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. As part of Operation Dry Water, Conservation Officers will work to raise public awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs—for both operators and passengers. Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols. The priority during this period will be public safety, and officers will take immediate action to remove impaired boaters who pose a risk to themselves or others.
“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem,” said Joe Keeton, Law Enforcement Specialist of GFP. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users. That’s why we are joining agencies across the country to prevent incidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired boating.”
Whether you’re operating a vessel or riding as a passenger, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers everyone on the water. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and legal consequences. In South Dakota, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
GFP reminds boaters to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
Operation Dry Water is a year-round initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws. The campaign aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities by educating the public and increasing law enforcement visibility on the water.
