DNREC announces participation in Operation Dry Water

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police have announced that they will be active participants in an annual nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign, Operation Dry Water, over the July 5-7 weekend. The initiative’s goal is to prevent alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will be increasing their patrols on Delaware waterways during the weekend to educate boaters boaters on the dangers of operating a water vessel under the influence and increase enforcement efforts against operating under the influence (OUI). According to the press release boat operators found with blood alcohol levels at or exceeding the state limit of 0.08 percent will be arrested, fined, potentially jailed, and could have their vessel impounded.

Last year, Operation Dry Water made 3,056 contacts with boat operators and passengers, and conducted 573 boardings while performing standard vessel safety equipment checks. They issued 46 citations for violations including one citation for OUI. A recent study released by the U.S. Coast Guard shows that alcohol use is a leading contributing factor to fatal boat accidents.