RENO, Nev. — With the July 4th holiday weekend fast approaching, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), in partnership with law enforcement agencies statewide, is warning boaters that increased patrols will be out in force from July 4–6 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to combat boating under the influence (BUI).
The extended holiday weekend typically brings a surge in recreational boating across Nevada’s lakes and rivers—but it also comes with a spike in alcohol-related accidents on the water.
“Boating is a great way to celebrate Independence Day,” said Game Warden Captain Buck Tingle, Nevada’s Boating Law Administrator. “But drinking and boating is a recipe for disaster. Our job is to ensure everyone’s safety on the water. If you’re boating under the influence, you could be ending your holiday in handcuffs.”
NDOW will have patrol boats deployed on all major waterways throughout the state. In Southern Nevada, the National Park Service will partner with NDOW to patrol the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Other local and state law enforcement agencies will also increase officer presence on Nevada’s lakes and rivers.
Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated awareness and enforcement campaign designed to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water. The initiative increases patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the country during peak boating times, especially around the July 4th holiday.
“Alcohol is the top factor in fatal boating accidents,” said Captain Tingle. “It slows your reflexes, clouds your judgment, and throws off your coordination. We want people to enjoy the holiday on the water—but above all, we want them to make it home safely.”
For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org. A full list of participating agencies by state can be found here.