OPERATION DRY WATER

Bemidji, MN – The weekend following the Fourth of July marks the start of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide boating under the influence heightened awareness and enforcement campaign. The goal of Operation Dry Water is removing impaired operators from the water and raising awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office will join hundreds of participating agencies across the country July 5-7th, 2019 with enhanced enforcement on Beltrami County lakes and rivers.

In 2018 more than 7,000 officers from over 500 agencies participated in Operation Dry Water, resulting in the arrest of 494 individuals who were operating boats under the influence. Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and has been a highly successful effort to draw public attention to the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sheriff Ernie Beitel said, “We want all residents and visitors in Beltrami County to safely enjoy the many lakes in Beltrami County. You can do your part by being responsible with alcohol consumption and following boating laws. Our Boat and Water Division will be on patrol this weekend and throughout the summer promoting safe boating.”

Additional information is available at: operationdrywater.org

Sheriff Ernie Beitel

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office