Operation Dry Water to Promote Safety Before Holiday Weekend

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Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — The Mississippi Deparment of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks ramped up enforcement and attempted to raise awareness for boating safety as part of a national initiative called Operation Dry Water.

The main purposes of Operation Dry Water is to remind boaters the dangers of alcohol and drugs while operating a boat as well as increased enforcement of those laws.

“…if they’re going to drink, get a designated driver just as you would with a vehicle on the highway…”, says conservation officer Sergeant Phillip Fancher, “…because we’re going to be out in force especially this weekend and the upcoming weekend of Fourth of July.”

With the holiday weekend fast approaching, local boaters say they’re all for safety awareness.

“I think it’s pretty important to do that on a regular basis because, I mean, basically anybody that has a driver’s license can get a boat…”, says Amanda Simmons, “…whether they know, you know, how to operate it or you know the safety aspect of being on the water.”

“Also remember too is that…you’re drinking on the water, but you still have to get home…”, says Shane Simmons, “…so you gotta keep that in mind too that when you leave here, you gotta be sober enough within the limit to operate a vehicle also.”

Mississippi law says a first-time boating under the influence, or B.U.I, offender can face up to a one thousand dollar fine and possibly up to twenty-four hours of prison time.

Official numbers on the activity and success of Operation Dry Water will be released sometime this week.