Important Warning Issued To 4th Of July Weekend Boaters In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a great state for boating, boasting an impressive network of waterways, including over 15,000 lakes, parts of the Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River. Its vast boating experiences bring a lot of people out on the water, especially when the 4 of July arrives.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says it sees a significant increase in boaters on its lakes during the 4th of July weekend, making it the state's busiest boating holiday. Its inspectors and volunteers have noted a large rise in boat activity during the holiday weekend as tens of thousands of people hit the water.

That has prompted DNR officials to issue an important reminder and warning to all boaters in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin DNR Issues Important Warning To All Boaters In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin DNR announced it will join law enforcement agencies nationwide for Operation Dry Water, an annual campaign to prevent boating while impaired, to keep waters safe for all from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6.

Operation Dry Water is a national campaign that promotes a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol on the water, which means they encourage everyone on the boat to remain sober, not just the driver, as research shows that impairment also poses risks to passengers.

The DNR reminds everyone that boating under the influence is illegal in Wisconsin, adding that impairment from alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of incidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Furthermore, U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics show that alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater fatalities and a significant cause of boating incidents nationally.

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During the 4th of July weekend, DNR conservation wardens and local law enforcement will be on the state’s lakes and rivers sharing education about safe boating while watching for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others.

“We want everyone to enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful waterways this holiday weekend, but safety must come first,” said Major April Dombrowski, director of the DNR's Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills Bureau.

How To Stay Safe On The Water

As part of its announcement, the DNR also provided the following safety tips to safely boat with family and friends:

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
• Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpowers you, or you fall out of a boat.
• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time, and abilities.
• River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual's boating, paddling, and swimming skills.
• Keep an eye on the weather and always tell someone where you are going.
• Create a float plan and tell people when and where you plan to depart and return before going for a float or paddle.

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