PANAMA CITY — As the summer recreational boating season gets into full swing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is ramping up its efforts as part of a national campaign to stop boating under the influence, officials announced Monday.
The annual three-day campaign, Operation Dry Water, focusing on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will take place during the coming weekend.
From June 26 to 28, law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out looking for boaters operating under the influence and removing them from the water. The purpose of increased messaging about the dangers of boating under the influence and officers identifying impaired operators is to drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths due to impaired boating.
FWC officials reported that officers will be participating in Operation Dry Water with additional scrutiny of boaters who decide to operate a vessel under the influence during those days.