(Area) Operation Dry Water starts July 2nd.
A group of state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies will partner to focus enforcement on Iowa’s boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence. “They conduct boating checks and they are looking for people that are operating boats while intoxicated. The laws for boating are the same for on the road. Your operator needs to be sober and our law enforcement people will be out there over the 4th of July weekend enforcing those rules.”
Bryan Hayes with the Iowa DNR Office in Lewis reminds boaters the effects of alcohol can intensify when combined with wind, waves, and time spent in the sun. “You may not even be aware of the effects of alcohol on the water. Just a reminder that you need to have a designated operator. Operation Dry Water starts next weekend and so law enforcement agencies will be out there.”
Operation Dry Water runs July 2nd-4th. In 2021 the DNR and it’s partners contacted over 1,800 vessels and issued 542 citations or warnings.
