DNR, law enforcement to crack down on drunken boating over July 4 weekend

In recent years, about half of the boating related-fatalities in Minnesota have involved alcohol.

Boating under the influence is a problem, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and its local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners will target it July 2-4. During this time, public safety agencies across the state will increase patrols for people operating boats while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

It’s called Operation Dry Water, a national campaign aimed at deterring boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The goal of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of BWI-related boating accidents and fatalities.