Boating While Under The Influence Prevention In Waukesha County

WAUKESHA, WI—The 4th of July holiday weekend means fireworks, grilling and boating.

As boaters look forward to the 4th of July holiday, thousands of law enforcement officers across the United States will be on heightened alert looking for those violating boating under the influence.

From July 2 to July 4, the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office Boat Patrol will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend.

Law enforcement agencies across the country will be focusing on preventing incidents related to impaired boating and educating boaters about safe boating practices, including sober boating. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office will be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers.

Boating under the influence continues to be a problem on our waterways.

"Each year we are faced with incidents and tragedies that could have been avoided if it weren't for the presence of drugs or alcohol. As a part of the community ourselves, we want to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers, and anyone enjoying our waterways have a safe place to spend their time. That is why the Waukesha County Sheriff s Office is joining hundreds of agencies nationwide to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence," according to the sheriff's department.