The Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit is participating in the 2018 Operation Dry Water Awareness and Enforcement Campaign. Boating safety patrols begin Friday, June 29 and run through Sunday, July 1, 2018. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the danger of impaired boating. The Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit monitors waterways for OUI violators, for their safety and the safety of others, throughout the boating season.

Sheriff Curran stated, "This weekend is expected to be a busy weekend on the waterways, with the temperature expected to hit 90 degrees plus. We want to remind the public that alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating accidents. If you plan on drinking, be sure to designate a driver. Be safe - not sorry."

The Lake County Sheriff's Office also recommends boaters heading to the Chain O'Lakes check the Fox Waterway website or app for waterway status. The website is http://www.foxwaterway.com/ and the app can be downloaded at Google Play or App Store.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The goal of Operation Dry Water (ODW) and those who participate is not only to remove impaired boaters from the water. Equally important is the goal of raising awareness throughout the year among recreational boaters about the dangers that come with the decision to operate a vessel while under the influence.

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