As the July 4th holiday weekend approaches, law enforcement agencies across Nevada are ramping up efforts to ensure the safety of recreational boaters as part of the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign.
The operation, which runs from July 4 through 6, is aimed at reducing boating under the influence (BUI) incidents, a leading factor in fatal boating accidents.
With the holiday weekend expected to bring a high volume of recreational boaters to Nevada’s lakes and rivers, agencies including the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling the waters with a heightened presence.
Boat operators are advised to expect increased enforcement across the state and particularly on Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead.
NDOW’s Increased Patrols
NDOW will deploy patrol boats statewide, including a joint effort in Southern Nevada with the National Park Service at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
“Alcohol is the top factor in fatal boating accidents,” said Captain Tingle of the NDOW. “It slows your reflexes, clouds your judgment, and throws off your coordination. We want people to enjoy the holiday on the water, but above all, we want them to make it home safely.”
Alongside NDOW, other local and state agencies will increase patrols on waterways throughout Nevada.
Operation Dry Water is a nationwide initiative focused on reducing alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents through increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints, especially around high-traffic holiday weekends.
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Joins the Effort
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, which has participated in Operation Dry Water for the past 17 years, will focus on increasing awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence on Lake Tahoe during the holiday weekend.
In addition to Washoe County, the Eldorado County Sheriff's Office, Placer County Sheriff's Office, and United States Coast Guard will be working together to enforce boating safety on the waters of North Lake Tahoe.
"With recreational activity on Lake Tahoe increasing, it’s important to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired boating," said a spokesperson from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. "Operation Dry Water allows us to be part of a multi-agency effort to make Lake Tahoe safer for everyone who wants to enjoy its waters."
Throughout the weekend, Washoe County Sheriff's Deputies will patrol Lake Tahoe aboard Washoe County Marine 9, looking for signs of impaired boating and educating boaters about the dangers of operating a vessel under the influence.
Boating under the influence is illegal under Nevada state law, and alcohol use significantly increases the risk of accidents.
The U.S. Coast Guard has consistently identified alcohol as a primary contributing factor in boating fatalities.
"Alcohol not only impairs your ability to operate a watercraft, but it also increases fatigue and makes you more susceptible to the dangers of cold water, like the temperatures of Lake Tahoe," the spokesperson added.
Safety Tips for Boaters
Both agencies are urging boaters to follow key safety guidelines during the holiday weekend:
Never boat under the influence – Alcohol, drugs, and medication impair your ability to operate a vessel safely.
Always wear a life jacket – 85% of people who drowned in recreational boating accidents were not wearing one.
Take a boating safety course – 73% of fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had no formal training.
Get a vessel check – Ensure your boat is in safe, working condition by having it inspected annually.
In addition to these safety tips, boaters are advised to check weather conditions before heading out, as Lake Tahoe's weather can change rapidly.
For more information about Operation Dry Water and how to stay safe on the water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.
