Don't Drink And Boat: Minnesota's Operation Dry Water Set For July 1-3

MINNESOTA — As Minnesota enters a time period when dozens of boaters are arrested for boating while intoxicated each year, the state is stepping up its efforts to keep Minnesota's waterways safe July 1-3 under Operation Dry Water, officials said in a news release Thursday.

In more than half the boating fatalities in Minnesota, alcohol is the main factor, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The statistic is the motivation behind Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign to highlight the dangers of boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol and call attention to the heavy penalties associated with boating while intoxicated, according to officials.

“If you’re caught boating under the influence, you’ll get a stay in jail – not a second chance” Captain Adam Block, DNR boating law administrator, said in the news release. “People out enjoying the water the right way should not be put at risk because of someone else’s decision to drink and boat.”

According to officials, Minnesota’s lakes and rivers likely will be extraordinarily busy over the next week thanks to a promising forecast and the upcoming holiday weekend, when boating while intoxicated-related injuries and deaths tend to spike.

The penalties associated with boating under the influence have never been higher, particularly in Minnesota, which has some of the nation’s strongest BWI laws, according to officials. People convicted of drinking and driving – whether they’re driving a boat, motor vehicle or recreational vehicle – lose their privilege to operate any of them.

For more information on Operation Dry Water and boating safety, visit the Operation Dry Water website.