CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As West Virginians gear up to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, family gatherings, and time on the water, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is taking a strong stance to ensure those festivities don’t end in tragedy.
From July 4 through July 6, the W.Va. Natural Resources Police will join local law enforcement agencies across the nation in Operation Dry Water—a high-visibility, national enforcement campaign designed to reduce boating under the influence and promote responsible, sober recreation on America’s waterways.
What is Operation Dry Water?
Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated campaign spearheaded by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and supported by a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The campaign targets impaired boating and raises awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of operating watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Since its inception in 2009, Operation Dry Water has made a significant impact on public safety, having resulted in interactions with over 3 million boaters and the removal of more than 7,400 impaired operators from U.S. waters.
A Serious Problem: Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix
“We want everyone to have a great time on the water, but safety has to come first,” said W.Va. DNR Police Capt. Warren Goodson. “Boating under the influence puts everyone at risk. If you plan to drink, plan ahead and designate a sober operator.”
Alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to U.S. Coast Guard data. On the water, the effects of alcohol are greatly magnified by environmental stressors—such as heat, glare, engine noise, sun exposure, vibration, and wave action—which can impair judgment, balance, and reaction time much more quickly than on land.
This physiological response, sometimes called “boater’s fatigue,” means that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%—the legal limit in both West Virginia and under federal law—can be reached far more quickly than many boaters realize. And the consequences are deadly.
Legal Consequences of BUI in West Virginia
West Virginia law is clear: operating any watercraft while impaired is illegal. If you are caught operating a boat or personal watercraft with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, you could face hefty fines, jail time, impoundment of your watercraft, and loss of boating or even driving privileges.
These are not just minor infractions—they’re serious offenses that carry long-lasting consequences, both legally and personally.
2024 National Statistics Underscore the Risk
Operation Dry Water has already seen action in 2024. During last year’s campaign, 485 agencies participated nationwide. The result: 584 BUI arrests and over 43,000 citations or warnings issued across the United States.
These figures demonstrate not only the widespread problem of boating while impaired but also the effectiveness of the campaign in deterring impaired operators from getting on the water and keeping families safe.
Where Will Enforcement Be Happening in West Virginia?
Natural Resources Police officers will be out in full force, patrolling West Virginia’s most popular waterways—including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs—over the July 4 weekend. You can expect to see law enforcement on:
- Sutton Lake
- Beech Fork Lake
- Stonewall Jackson Lake
- Summersville Lake
- Tygart Lake
- Ohio River and its tributaries
- Kanawha River
- New River
Officers will be conducting routine stops, safety checks, and BAC testing using breathalyzers when impairment is suspected. They’ll be on high alert, and there will be zero tolerance for anyone operating under the influence.
Tips to Stay Safe and Legal on the Water This Fourth of July
To make the most of your time on the water this holiday—and avoid becoming part of a statistic—the WVDNR encourages all boaters to follow a few simple but critical safety guidelines:
- Always Wear a Life Jacket. In 2023, 87% of people who drowned in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. Even strong swimmers are at risk if they fall overboard unexpectedly or are knocked unconscious. Make sure every person on board—regardless of age—wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Check All Safety Equipment Before Launch. Ensure your boat is equipped with all legally required and essential safety equipment, including navigation lights, fire extinguishers, throwable flotation devices, a charged battery, a functional engine kill switch, and sound-producing devices such as a horn or whistle.
- Avoid Electric-Shock Drowning. Stay away from swimming near docks or boats that are connected to shore power. Faulty wiring can create an invisible and deadly electric current in the water.
- Take a Boating Safety Course. Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety education course before they can legally operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in West Virginia. Courses are available online and cover essential boating laws, navigation rules, emergency procedures, and other relevant topics. Visit WVDNR.gov/boater-education for more information.
- Designate a Sober Skipper. If alcohol is part of your celebration, assign a sober, licensed, and experienced operator. Boating is fun—but it's not a game. Impaired operators put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the water at risk.
Why Operation Dry Water Matters
Whether you're spending the weekend fishing, skiing, tubing, or cruising with family and friends, remember: One impaired decision can ruin a lifetime of good memories.
“Boating under the influence not only endangers the person operating the vessel, but everyone else sharing that waterway,” said Capt. Goodson. “Operation Dry Water isn’t about ruining anyone’s fun—it’s about making sure everyone gets home safe.”
How You Can Help: If you’re out on the water and suspect another boater is impaired, don’t hesitate to report it. Division officers rely on tips from the public to keep waterways safe. Call 911 or use the division's law enforcement hotline to report suspicious or dangerous activity.
Celebrate Responsibly: A Message to All West Virginians
As the Fourth of July approaches, take a moment to plan. Stock your boat with safety gear, double-check your life jackets, and designate a designated operator before launching.
The West Virginia DNR, along with state and federal partners, will be doing its part to protect West Virginia families this weekend. You can do yours by boating smart, staying sober, and watching out for one another.
For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit OperationDryWater.org. To learn more about boating laws and safety education in West Virginia, visit WVDNR.gov.
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