Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be conducting Operation Dry Water on Minnesota bodies of water beginning on Saturday, July 1 through Monday, July 3.
The program will increase focus on the dangers of boating while under the influence of drugs and alcohol and include additional water units deployed by the agency over the weekend.
According to the MN DNR, alcohol is a main factor in more than half of all boating fatalities in Minnesota.
They also said Minnesota has some of the strongest boating-while-intoxicated laws in the nation. Anyone convicted of operating a boat, motor vehicle, or recreational vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol lose their privilege to operate any of those vehicles.
Capt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the MN DNR, said people enjoying the water areas in Minnesota should not be put at risk by someone who decided to drink and boat.
Block also said: “If you’re caught boating under the influence, you’ll get a stay in jail – not a second chance.”
The agency said many boating accidents can turn fatal because someone isn’t wearing a life jacket and urged boaters to stay “dry” on the water ways over the weekend and wait until they are back on shore to drink alcohol.
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