June 30, 2023 11:00 a.m.

July 1st through 3rd, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said as the July 4th holiday approaches, millions of boaters from around the country will convene on the nation’s waterways. O’Dell said with the increased public presence on the water, there is also an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time. Participating law enforcement agencies will be focused on educating boaters about safe boating practices across the country, including sober boating.

O’Dell said, “Boating while impaired continues to be a problem on our nation’s waterways”. O’Dell said, “As law enforcement, it is our duty to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers, and anyone enjoying our waterways have a safe place to spend their time. The tragedies that result from these boating under the influence incidents are 100% preventable”. O’Dell said that is why DCSO is joining hundreds of agencies nationwide to do their part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence.

For more information about boating under the influence, go to: https://www.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/home