Operation Dry Water: Marine patrols to increase for holiday weekend

DESTIN, Fla. ( WMBB ) — Boating safety is at the top of law enforcement’s priority list this Fourth of July weekend.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff kicked off Operation Dry Water at the United States Coast Guard Station Destin on Wednesday, July 3.

The operation targets those operating a boat under the influence.

“Boating under the influence is driving under the influence. BUI is DUI,” said Kristen Allen, MADD Northwest Florida.

With travel destination Crab Island in the background, law enforcement agencies joined forces in Destin to launch the annual operation.

“Law enforcement officers will increase patrols statewide, looking for any signs of reckless boating or boater impairment. And they will remove those operators from the water,” said Brian Smith, FWC Division of Law Enforcement Director.

Florida ranks number one for boating accidents and fatalities. The National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators ( NASBLA ) said alcohol is the leading factor.

This 15-year initiative hopes to change that.

“Since the launch of the Operation Dry Water campaign in 2009, over 6,500 impaired operators have been removed during Operation Dry Water weekend from our nation’s waterways, preventing dangerous and potentially tragic consequences,” said Taylor Kirshe, NASBLA Marketing Director.

Okaloosa County ranks the highest in boating under the influence arrests in Florida.

“We have 25,000 boats registered in just Okaloosa County. Not to mention the bordering counties that come here to visit. Any given day, there could be up to 10,000 boats out here and in excess of 50,000 people,” said Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff. “That number decreased significantly from 2022 to 2023 by 77%. That’s a huge drop in BUIs.”

With the holiday weekend ahead, law enforcement and community leaders want people to focus on fun and safety.

“It’s important to be adults, move forward together, and do the right thing. But we can have fun and we can do the right thing together,” said Bobby Wagner, Mayor of Destin.

“We want nothing more than for everyone to enjoy this holiday weekend. It’s our nation’s birthday. We have a reason to celebrate this great nation. Celebrate with your friends and family. But nothing can ruin a day on the water faster than a boating accident,” said Smith.

Operation Dry Water lasts nationwide through Saturday, July 6.

Learn more about the operation online.

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