Operation Dry Water Starts Saturday on Minnesota Lakes

(KNSI) – While many people will enjoy a long holiday weekend at the lake, conservation officers will be on patrol to keep it safe.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Lt. Adam Block says nothing is more heart-wrenching than telling someone their family member or friend isn’t coming home. “It’s hard to imagine, but I know the pain pales in comparison to what the family members or friends feel. We’re always working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen to someone else. But if you are drinking and boating or drinking and driving, we’re going to find you, and we are going to prevent you from putting others at risk.”

Block says alcohol is a factor in more than half the boating fatalities in Minnesota. Officials say that means those deaths likely were preventable. That’s why the DNR and law enforcement statewide are launching Operation Dry Water to hunt down drunk boaters. “You’ll see more law enforcement personnel on the water. It doesn’t matter the badge that’s on our uniform. Our approach is the same, if you make that choice, you won’t get a warning or a second chance. You will be arrested, taken to jail and have to face the heavy penalties that come with your decision.”

Each year during this time, dozens of boaters are arrested for BWI. Whether you’re convicted of driving a boat, vehicle or ATV while intoxicated, you will lose your privilege to use any of them.

The stepped-up patrols take place Saturday, July 1st, through Monday, July 3rd.

For more information on boat safety, click here.

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