Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Officers from all 56 U.S. states, trusts and territories are expected to participate June 26-28 in Operation Dry Water 2015.
As part of the nationally coordinated saturation patrol, Lubbock District Game Wardens will be enforcing many recreational boating laws. These laws range from more common violations such as not having the proper number of life jackets, to more serious violations such as operating a motorboat while intoxicated.
Since the inception of the Operation Dry Water Campaign in 2009, law enforcement officers have removed 1,875 BUI operators from the nation’s waterways and made contact with over 604,250 boaters during the annual three-day weekend. The campaign continues to make a significant impact on boater safety and spread the message of the danger of boating under the influence.
Lubbock District Game Warden Aaron Sims wants to increase education of water safety laws to new and veteran boaters. “Whether it’s a person’s first time on the water, or if they have been boating for years, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws. Specifically, the Boating While Intoxicated law is easy to follow, simply designate a sober driver just as you would when driving a car on the road.”
The public can find out more about these laws along with which items are required on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website: tpwd.texas.gov