Gwen Rummell reporting –
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) participates in the Operation Dry Water campaign each year to decrease the amount of alcohol and drug-related incidents.
In 2022, law enforcement officers across the nation removed 794 impaired drivers from waterways during the 4th of July Operation Dry Water weekend.
Chief Ranger of the MWCD, Patrick Brockmeier, says Operation Dry Water is a national campaign aimed towards keeping boaters safe and teaching them about the risks of impaired driving.
“Risks when it comes to impaired driving like some of the contributing factors with them operating with alcohol adds some stressors to common boating environment – where they’re not making good decisions. They’re not using their safety equipment, they’re maybe cutting off other boats – it can be very dangerous to all the people that are around them.”
The MWCD encourages boating passengers to limit their alcohol use while boating due to the danger it presents as well.
If operators are unsure of any boating rules, Chief Ranger Brockmeier encourages them to reach out to the MWCD.
“If you get a new boat, we offer classes for them to get their boating license. The other thing is our rangers would gladly do like vessels inspection. So if you’re sure you have all the proper safety equipment, you can go up to a ranger any time and ask for a vessel check.”
Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting www.operationdrywater.org.
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