MAHOPAC – As part of a nationally coordinated effort to educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the Carmel Town Police Department will be participating in the annual “Operation Dry Water” campaign to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
Operation Drug Water weekend, July 2-4, is the national weekend of amplified recreational boater outreach, education and coordinated enforcement surrounding boating under the influence.
“Recreational boating and paddlesports activities are enjoyed by individuals and families across the county. To ensure that everyone is safe out on the water, we have partnered with Operation Dry Water to assist in educating operators and passengers on the dangers associated with boating while impaired,” said Sgt. Michal Bodo. “We also will be reminding them of other safe boating practices, such as wearing a life jacket and enrolling in a boater education course.”
As part of Operation Dry Water weekend, recreational boating safety volunteers in every state and territory will be out at marinas and on the water educating boaters about safe boating practices. Police will also be out on the water working to detect and remove dangerous and impaired operators.
In 2021, law enforcement officers across the country removed 638 impaired operators from waterways during the Operation Dry Water weekend.
