“`html
DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, various law enforcement agencies at the state, federal, and local levels are urging boaters to prioritize safety by remaining sober on Iowa’s waterways. The national initiative Operation Dry Water, scheduled for July 4-6, aims to decrease incidents and fatalities related to alcohol and drugs on the water, emphasizing the importance of sober boating, wearing life jackets, and completing boating safety courses.
“Boating under the influence is just as perilous as driving under the influence,” stated Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “By staying sober and attentive, we can avert tragedies and guarantee that everyone has a safe holiday weekend.”
Alcohol and drugs, inclusive of specific medications, can significantly hinder a boater’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to maneuver a vessel safely. The detrimental effects of impairment are exacerbated by sun, wind, and wave action, elevating the likelihood of accidents. Nationally, alcohol remains the predominant contributor to recreational boating fatalities, with approximately one-third of deaths involving intoxication. Both operators and passengers encounter equal hazards, as inebriated passengers risk slipping, falling overboard, or facing other life-threatening situations.
“A large number of victims in boating fatalities are innocent bystanders,” Stocker remarked. “Remaining sober safeguards everyone on the water.”
During the 2024 campaign, the Iowa DNR and its partners conducted checks on 1,296 vessels and interacted with 5,015 boaters as part of Operation Dry Water, resulting in 477 citations or warnings, which included 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated (BWI). The most arrests for BWI were recorded at Coralville Reservoir (4), along with additional arrests at Clear Lake, Lake Manawa, and Rathbun Reservoir.
Data from previous years highlights a consistent emphasis on enforcing BWI laws:
• 2023: 27 BWI arrests, with Okoboji (5) and Rathbun Reservoir (4) leading the occurrences.
• 2022: 36 BWI arrests, with Okoboji (7) and Coralville Reservoir (6) at the forefront.
• 2021: 31 BWI arrests, led by the Mississippi River (8) and Coralville Reservoir (6).
The Iowa DNR collaborates with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local law enforcement to uphold boating safety regulations. Boaters are reminded to wear life jackets, maintain alertness, and consider enrolling in a boating safety course to enhance their skills and awareness.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend, keep Iowa’s waters free from impairment. For further details on boating safety, visit the Iowa DNR website.
[Image]
Image: Boaters enjoying a safe day on an Iowa lake, wearing life jackets and staying alert. (Placeholder image; replace with an actual image of boaters on an Iowa waterway for publication.)
“`
