Intoxicated Boating Enforcement Planned In PWC Over July 4 Holiday

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Fourth of July holiday may be an ideal time to enjoy a cruise on the water, but police want to remind boaters not to drive under the influence.

An increased enforcement and educational campaign on boating under the influence is planned July 4 to 6 in Prince William County. Prince William County Police will work with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard on the Operation Dry Water enforcement.

According to police, law enforcement will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including sober boating. Boaters will see increased officer patrols on the waters and at recreational boating checkpoints. Police say impaired boaters or passengers posing a danger to others will be removed from the waterways.

"Boating under the influence remains a pressing issue, leading to preventable tragedies," said Prince William County Police spokesperson Lt. Jonathan Perok. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of recreational boaters, paddlers, and all waterway users. That is why Prince
William County police is partnering with agencies nationwide to prevent incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence."

Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and can cause serious injuries, death and charges, according to police. In Virginia, it is illegal to drive a boat with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, the same limit for driving a car. Driving a boat while impaired can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, which carries a penalty up to a $2,500 fine and 12 months in jail.

According to the Coast Guard's 2023 report, alcohol use is the leading factor in fatal boating incidents where the cause was known, representing 17 percent of fatal boating incidents.

Along with discouraging alcohol use while boating, Prince William County Police urge boaters and passengers and wear life jackets.