Operation Dry Water

In a similar operation to state police the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be taking extra measures to ensure boater safety during the weekend of July 4th. Captain Stephanie Weatherington, Boating Law Administrator for the AGFC has this to say, “We patrol the state’s waters year-round in Arkansas, but Operation Dry Water gives us an added opportunity to speak up about enjoying our waters safely. The sun, heat, wind, and motion all intensify alcohol’s impact on a person.” Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only carries a stiff fine, it also is grounds for a person to lose their driver’s license just as though they were ticketed for driving under the influence. The AGFC receives calls every year asking if it’s OK to have alcohol on a boat at all. In most cases it’s fine to have an alcoholic beverage onboard, but people should pay attention to the county they are boating in. “Dry counties are still dry, even on the water. Sheriff’s departments can and will enforce those regulations just as if they were on land.” Says Weatherington. Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. So enjoy the weekend celebrating this July 4th holiday but make sure that however you decide to celebrate that you are safe doing so.