‘Operation Dry Water’ enhanced BWI enforcement over holiday weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, State Patrol, county sheriff’s offices, and other public safety agencies will increase patrols for intoxicated boaters July 2-4 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign aimed at deterring boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

In 2020, nine of the 16 boating fatalities – more than 56 percent – in Minnesota involved alcohol, well up from the six-year average of 44 percent.

The goal of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of BWI-related boating accidents and fatalities. Minnesota’s lakes and rivers have been particularly busy this summer as people get outside to take advantage of all the water-based recreational opportunities the state provides. Shared waterways mean shared responsibility, and it’s up to every boater to make sure they’re keeping themselves and other boaters safe.