Prince William County will be kicking off Operation Dry Water this weekend.
According to a release, “as the July 4 holiday approaches, law enforcement throughout the region will focus on keeping boaters safe by cracking down on instances of boating under the influence.”
From June 30 to July 2, Prince William County Police Department’s Marine Unit will be doing strong enforcement of boating laws and boating under the influence.
The operation is part of a nationwide law enforcement effort to crack down on boaters that are driving impaired on the water, stated a release.
“Boaters will notice an increase in police officers on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints such as Leesylvania State Park. The goal is to remove impaired operators, thus providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters this holiday season,” stated a release.
Tips to staying safe on the water this summer, from a release:
Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol and drugs use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
Wear your life jacket. 85 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Take a boating safety education course. 71 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction, where instruction was known.
You’re Going Nowhere Fast – Operation Dry Water 2016 PSA from NASBLA on Vimeo.
