ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – Warm weather will mean an extremely busy 4th of July weekend on the waterways of Minnesota.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers and public safety partners will be conducting “Operation Dry Water” from July 3-5 highlighting the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Boating while intoxicated (BWI) is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents and fatalities and dozens of people are arrested for BWI each year in the days around the 4th of July.
Minnesota has particularly strong BWI laws and those convicted of operating a boat, motor vehicle or recreational vehicle while intoxicated will lose their privilege to operate any of them.
In addition to staying “dry” on the water by avoiding drugs or alcohol, the DNR urges anyone on the boat to be wearing a life jacket at all times.
