“Operation Dry Water” Enforcement Campaign Begins Friday

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department along with the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and United States Coast Guard will be
teaming up for “Operation Dry Water” – an enforcement and awareness campaign on
the dangers of drinking while boating. The nationwide campaign begins Friday
and runs through Sunday. The Sheriff’s Office says in a news release that alcohol
can impair a boater’s judgement, balance, vision and reaction time, and sun,
wind, noise, vibration and motion – all of which are commonly found while
boating – intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. Operating
a boat with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher is against the law in
Wisconsin, and penalties for BUI include fines, jail time, alcohol/drug
assessment and completion of a boating safety course. Boaters are reminded to make
sure your boat has the proper safety equipment needed, and to wear personal
flotation devices while on the water.