Operation Dry Water boating statistics released for July 4 weekend in FWC's NE and North Central regions
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Northeast Region and North Central Region
Numerous law enforcement agencies partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement's heightened law enforcement of Operation Dry Water (ODW) during the Independence Day holiday weekend of July 4 - 7, 2024. Operation Dry Water is a year-round national effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs, with the mission of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities on the water.
The FWC's Northeast Region consists of 12 counties - Brevard, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties, and the FWC's North Central Region consists of 17 counties - Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties.
Prior to the Thursday through Sunday, July 4 - 7, Fourth of July holiday weekend, the FWC sent boating safety messages to the public The education continued while officers were on the lookout for reckless or impaired operators during the holiday boating weekend.
During the holiday weekend, FWC officers in the Northeast Region cited 157 vessel operators for boating safety violations, issued 778 boating safety warnings and removed 11 vessel operators from the water for BUI; the highest Blood Alcohol Content reported was 0.11. FWC officers in the North Central Region cited 206 vessel operators for boating safety violations, issued 1,119 boating safety warnings and removed 6 vessel operators from the water for BUI; the highest Blood Alcohol Content reported was 0.15.
In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle. Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgement and reaction time, which can lead to serious injuries and consequences. Statewide, over 50 vessel operators were removed from the waterways of Florida for BUI during the heightened enforcement and holiday weekend.
“Our message over the Operation Dry Water weekend was the same as it is all year long,” said Major Jay Russel, Northeast Regional Commander. “Never boat under the influence. The Fourth of July holiday has been known for increased boating activity as well as increased alcohol consumption, every hour our officers spent on the water was aimed at educating and safeguarding everyone out enjoying our waterways. We know the potential our presence has to save lives and we take that very seriously.”
“Boating activity, as well as alcohol consumption, is known to increase across the state over the Fourth of July holiday weekend,” said Major Scott Lee, North Central Regional Commander. “Our officers are proud to partner with Operation Dry Water in educating the boating public about the importance of remaining sober while operating a vessel. Their primary goal when they are out there putting in long hours patrolling and enforcing is to ensure residents' and visitors' boat safely.”
The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family, but to do so safely - and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock.
More information about boating and boating regulations in Florida can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating.
Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence and the Operation Dry Water campaign by visiting OperationDryWater.org.
To report dangerous boating activity the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922). Additionally, there is an easy-to-use downloadable iPhone or Android app called "FWC Wildlife Alert." A link to download this app for both type of devices can be found here:
myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert.