Northwest Iowa — A group of state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies are partnering to focus on enforcement of Iowa’s Boating While Intoxicated law this weekend as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence.
Susan Stocker is the Boating Law Administrator and Education Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and she explains what Operation Dry Water is all about.
Stocker says that the effects of alcohol are intensified for people on the water.
She says the Operation Dry Water effort will focus not only on the state’s rivers, but on Iowa’s lakes, as well.
Stocker says the objective of Operation Dry Water is to make sure that everyone can enjoy their recreational activities, and make it home safely.
Last year, nearly one-third of all boating fatalities nationally involved alcohol, and many of those victims were innocent bystanders.
Operation Dry Water starts Friday, June 24th, and continues through Sunday, June 26th.
