The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will join thousands of officers across the U. S. as part of Operation Dry Water, hitting local waterways this Fourth of July weekend, on the lookout for people operating boats under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Partnering with the U. S. Coast Guard, deputies will be out in full force from July 3rd through 5th tracking down impaired operators, with the goal of preventing boating accidents and fatalities over the busy holiday weekend.
It is illegal to operate a boat while impaired on any body of water, but alcohol remains the #1 cause of recreational boating deaths nationwide.
Officers note the danger is equal for the boat operator, passengers and people in the water.
In Michigan, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08% - the same as for driving a car.
Deputies urge boaters to stay sober and always wear life jackets when in or around water.
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