When is it?
Operation Dry Water is held the last weekend in June prior to the Fourth of July holiday. This year the ODW weekend is June 25-27.
Who is coordinating this?
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with the states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies, coordinates the event.
What is NASBLA?
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that helps to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
What does my agency need to do to participate?
Participating agencies are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted weekend. This can be done by focusing on a particular body of water, by increasing patrols in several locations, by conducting BUI checkpoints in one or more locations or through a combination of these activities. Agencies are also asked to work with their local media to make the public aware of the event and the hazards of Boating Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs.
Is there any additional funding for this?
There is no additional funding available for agencies to participate in Operation Dry Water, but this does qualify as an allowable law enforcement and outreach expense in recreational boating safety state grants. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division has again agreed to provide funding assistance for communication and outreach efforts.
What kind of communications and outreach support is available?
NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard, working in partnership, have created an electronic press kit, radio public service announcements, an electronic newsletter and a national media release, all downloadable on the website. A BUI Checkpoint Plan of Operations has also been developed by NASBLA’s Enforcement & Training Committee. Agencies are encouraged to share ideas and information as well.
What’s next?
Agencies planning to again participate in Operation Dry Water should:
- Save the date of June 25-27 and make plans to implement their increased BUI efforts that weekend.
- Let NASBLA know you will be an Operation Dry Water participating agency by emailing Ron Sarver at ron@nasbla.org. Sarver will advise you on materials and outreach.
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