The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will increase its presence on state waterways from July 4–7 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national enforcement and education campaign focused on preventing impaired boating.
Coinciding with the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, the effort involves conservation officers and public safety partners across Minnesota. Their goal is to promote safety on lakes and rivers by enforcing boating while intoxicated (BWI) laws and raising awareness about the risks associated with operating watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Boating under the influence is consistently cited as a leading factor in boating-related accidents and fatalities nationwide, according to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), which coordinates the campaign in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. Minnesota law imposes strict penalties for BWI offenses. Individuals convicted of operating any motorized vehicle or watercraft under the influence may lose their legal operating privileges across all platforms, including boats, cars, and recreational vehicles.
In recent years, dozens of BWI arrests have been made across Minnesota during the days surrounding the Fourth of July. The DNR emphasizes that most boaters comply with safety guidelines, including abstaining from alcohol use while operating watercraft, but enforcement efforts continue due to ongoing violations.
Officials also encourage boaters to wear life jackets at all times while on the water. The DNR notes that many boating fatalities involve individuals who were not wearing life jackets at the time of an accident.
More information about Operation Dry Water is available at operationdrywater.org, and Minnesota-specific boating laws and safety resources can be found on the DNR’s boating safety page.
