– Contributed photo
Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols.
PENTWATER – The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on
the water, with millions of boaters across the United States taking to lakes, rivers, and coastal
areas. This increased activity often leads to a rise in boating incidents and fatalities, states a press release issued by Sgt. Michael Fillips, who oversees the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division.
To address this issue, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign, from July 4–6. In the days leading up to and during the campaign, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, emphasizing the importance of sober boating to help ensure a safer experience for all recreational boaters.
Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. As part of Operation Dry Water, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office will work to raise public awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs — for both operators and passengers. Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols. The priority during this period will be public safety, and officers will take immediate action to remove impaired boaters who pose a risk to themselves or others.
“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem,” said Sgt. Fillips. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users. That’s why Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is joining agencies across the country to prevent incidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired boating.”
Whether you’re operating a vessel or riding as a passenger, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers everyone on the water. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and legal consequences. In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
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