Prince William County Police Department Joins Operation Dry Water to Combat Boating Under the Influence

The July 4th holiday means time on the water for boaters across the United States. This heightened public presence on the water often leads to an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. In response, from July 4 - 6, Prince William County police--in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard--will actively participate in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend.

During this time, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including the importance of sober boating, with the goal of enhancing boating safety nationwide.

As the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, alcohol use is a serious concern. As part of Operation Dry Water, Prince William County police will actively work to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs for operators and passengers alike.

Boaters will see an overall increase in officer patrols on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. The top priority during this time is the safety of all boaters on the water, and any impaired boater or individual posing a danger to others will be promptly removed from the waterways.

"Boating under the influence remains a pressing issue, leading to preventable tragedies," emphasizes Lt. Jonathan Perok, spokesperson for Prince William County police. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of recreational boaters, paddlers, and all waterway users. That is why Prince William County police is partnering with agencies nationwide to prevent incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating under the influence."

Whether you're at the helm of the vessel or a passenger on board, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone around you at risk. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death, and legal consequences.

In Virginia, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Prince William County police remind boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence, aiming to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities. The campaign increases recreational boater awareness and creates a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

Visit operationdrywater.org or pwcva.gov/police for more information about boating under the influence.