Fourth of July weekend brings awareness about boating under the influence

FOND DU LAC – The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office will be out in force to educate people on boating safety as they head out on the water this holiday weekend.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round national campaign involving outreach and enforcement regarding boating under the influence, and heightens awareness annually for three days: this year, that falls on July 4 through 6.

The department joins the U.S. Coast Guard, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and other agencies in increasing awareness of the dangers of boating while intoxicated on alcohol or drugs as an effort to reduce the number of related incidents and fatalities on the water.

"As you prepare to take to our waterways, take the time to ensure your safety, the safety of those you are responsible for and the safety of others on the waterways as well," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

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Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents, according to the sheriff's office.

Alcohol and drugs, even some prescription drugs, can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and the effects of cold-water immersion. Environmental stressors that are common for boating — including sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion — can also be intensified.

Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal to operate a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher or with a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in your system.

While educating boaters, the sheriff's office will also take enforcement action when necessary.

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Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@gannett.com.