Virginia officials give safety tips for boaters celebrating July 4 on the water

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With the Fourth of July on Thursday, officials are putting safety at the forefront — even when it comes to water.

Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to raise awareness for boating under the influence, enhanced its enforcement ahead of this weekend.

“Help us ensure the waterways are safe this holiday weekend and all summer long by wearing your lifejacket and always designating a sober operator if there is alcohol on board,” said Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Major Ryan Shuler in a press release. “Boating under the influence is just like drunk driving – unacceptable, illegal and deadly.”

As part of the enhanced enforcement, Virginia Conservation Officers have more tips you can follow to stay safe. Lieutenant Joshua Thomas said safety can start before you even leave land.

“There should be some kind of float plan,” Thomas said. “You should let somebody know that’s not going to be with you where are you where you plan on going. Have some kind of communication device, whether it’s a cell phone or a VHF radio — some way to communicate back to shore if there is an emergency.”

If you plan on being out on the river for an extended period of time, Thomas said you should pack a safety bag with things like medications, snacks and drinking water, among other necessities.

Once you’re on the water, officials said the most important thing you can do is wear safety gear correctly.

“[Personal flotation devices] must be on the boat,” Thomas said. “These don’t go around your waist. They simply go over [the] top of your head, wrapped around your body.”

In 2023, DWR Conservation Police Officers (CPO) arrested five people for boating under the influence and issued 147 citations for other boating violations.

“Alcohol impairment on the water is a little bit different than on land,” Thomas said. “Because of the dynamic of water, you have to have steady feet all the time and you’re out in the sun and can become dehydrated.”

It’s important to have a designated operator to drive water vessels. Many rules of the road apply to the water, too — like the Move Over Law for emergency lights on land.

“If you see an emergency vessel on the water with their lights activated, you need to stay within a no-wake speed when you’re within 200 feet of that vessel,” Thomas said. “When they have their lights activated, it’s also a courtesy when somebody’s fishing or there’s kids in the water you need to slow down.”

For more specific information on water safety, visit the DWR’s website .

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