As part of a nationwide effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office is joining the annual Operation Dry Water campaign.
The mission of the campaign aims to reduce the number of alcohol-and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
Operation Dry Water weekend, July 4 through 6th, marks a national effort dedicated to intensified recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated enforcement against boating under the influence. According to a news release, alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths and a leading contributor to boating incidents.
The Asotin County Sheriff’s Office urges all boaters to prioritize safety by choosing to boat sober throughout the year. The use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, posing significant risks while on the water.
During Operation Dry Water, boating safety advocates, volunteers, and law enforcement personnel will collaborate to educate boaters on safe boating practices at marinas and on the water in every U.S. state and territory. Participating law enforcement agencies will also work to identify and remove dangerous and impaired operators. Last year, across the nation, removed 717 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways during Operation Dry Water weekend.
