July 4, 2020 6:40 a.m.

Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division are participating in a national campaign to combat boating under the influence of intoxicants this weekend.

Sergeant Brad O’Dell said Operation Dry Water focuses on efforts to detect and deter boaters who are operating while impaired. The campaign continues through Sunday.

O’Dell said while Marine Deputies are always looking for boaters who are impaired, this weekend’s BUII patrols will be enhanced and specifically focused. He said their mission is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related deaths on the water. He incidents that result from Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants is 100 percent preventable, according to O’Dell.

O’Dell said, “we want those people recreating on the water to enjoy everything that Douglas County has to offer; but safely”. He said boating while intoxicated not only places lives at risk, including those in the boat as well as those people sharing the water. O’Dell said, DCSO “will absolutely not tolerate impaired boating operations, ever”.

He said boaters are also encouraged to always wear a life jacket as well.