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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *June 24, 2025
*Contact: *Major April Dombrowski, DNR Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills Bureau Director
[email protected]

 Boaters: Be Aware Of Increased Law Enforcement This Upcoming Holiday Weekend

"Operation Dry Water, July 4-6, To Kick Off In Green Bay"

 

DNR conservation warden on a boat patrolling on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee coastline

Boaters will see more DNR conservation wardens and area law enforcement on the water as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign July 4-6. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will join law enforcement agencies nationwide for Operation Dry Water [ [link removed] ], an annual campaign to prevent boating while impaired to keep waters safe for all during the July 4-6 holiday weekend.

A national kickoff media event for the annual safety weekend is planned for July 2 at 10:30 a.m. in Green Bay. Officials from local, state and national boating law enforcement agencies will participate in emphasizing the importance of sober boating. Media outlets are encouraged to join the event virtually [ [link removed] ] or in-person at the South Bay Marina (101 Bay Beach Rd., Green Bay, WI 54302).

Boating under the influence is illegal in Wisconsin. Impairment from alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of incidents, injuries and fatalities.

Nationally, alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater fatalities and a significant cause of boating incidents, according to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics [ [link removed] ].

DNR conservation wardens and local law enforcement will be on the state’s lakes and rivers for Operation Dry Water, sharing education about safe boating while watching for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others.

Operation Dry Water promotes a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol on the water, meaning they encourage everyone on the boat — not just the operator — to remain sober. Research shows that impairment also poses risks to passengers.

“We want everyone to enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful waterways this holiday weekend, but safety must come first,” said Major April Dombrowski, director of the DNR's Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills Bureau. “With Wisconsin hosting the national kickoff event in Green Bay, we are proud to lead the charge in keeping boaters safe across the country.”

Follow these safety tips to safely boat with family and friends.


* Sign up now to take an online boater education course [ [link removed] ].
* Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat.
* Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time and abilities.
* River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual's boating, paddling and swimming skills.
* Keep an eye on the weather and always tell someone where you are going.
* Create a float plan and tell people when and where you plan to depart and return before going for a float or paddle.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in cooperation with law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Learn more about the campaign on the Operation Dry Water website [ [link removed] ].

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Event Details

*What: *Operation Dry Water National Kickoff Media Event

*When:* Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m.

*Where:* South Bay Marina
101 Bay Beach Rd.
Green Bay, WI 53211

Watch the event virtually on the Operation Dry Water Facebook page [ [link removed] ].







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