Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The coming Independence Day holiday weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest boating celebrations of the decade.

This year, tens of thousands of anglers, waterskiers, kayakers and pleasure boaters will converge on Arkansas water to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’s formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend but to boat responsibly and avoid situations that could ruin the celebration — namely, boating under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

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According to Sgt. Sydney Grant, AGFC Boating Law Administrator, Arkansas game wardens will conduct their annual Operation Dry Water campaign July 3-5 to increase safety on Arkansas water and reduce boating accidents that result from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Operation Dry Water is an annual program where boating enforcement agencies across the country increase water patrols during the Independence Day holiday, the heaviest boating traffic weekend of the year,” Grant said. “We always patrol and keep a watchful eye out for intoxicated boaters, but with the holiday landing on a Saturday and many people receiving the day off on Friday, the extended weekend will likely bring many more people to the water. Add in the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, and I expect that total to be even larger.” 

Boating while intoxicated can be even more dangerous than driving a car while intoxicated, as most boaters have less experience operating a boat. Boats also don’t have brakes and are slower to maneuver than cars. These slower reaction times to a sudden danger can be the difference between life and death.

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Grant added that the effects of alcohol are magnified by the conditions that boating creates.

“Sun, heat, wind and wave action all intensify alcohol’s impact,” Grant said. “A person who normally wouldn’t feel much effect of one or two beers in an air-conditioned home may find themselves impaired by the same amount of alcohol on the water.”

Even passengers should pay attention to their consumption levels. 

“Drinking too much can lead to a dangerous situation or poor decisions for anyone,” Grant said. “We’ve also caught many people who enjoyed a day on the water, but then got in a car for the ride home, still under the effect of alcohol. Practicing a little restraint during your boating day helps us make both the roadways and waterways of the state safer during this big family holiday.”

Grant emphasized that Operation Dry Water isn’t a competition or initiative to see how many tickets wardens can issue; in fact, it’s much the opposite.

“If we didn’t have to give a single ticket this weekend for intoxicated boating, I think every game warden in Arkansas would celebrate,” Grant said. “Our job is to make sure people can enjoy the water safely and come home with great stories from their weekend. We’re not here to ruin the fun; we simply ask everyone to be responsible, avoid overindulging, and always make sure you have a sober boat operator and designated driver.” 

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