Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews are scheduled to have increased numbers across Michigan of boating safety patrols over the Fourth of July weekend as part of Operation Dry Water.
Launched in 2009, Operation Dry Water is a nationwide initiative focused on enforcing laws against boating under the influence (BUI).
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Since the campaign began, law enforcement officers have removed 7,453 operators for boating under the influence.
Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
Boating under the influence is illegal.
Alcohol risk applies in both operating a boat and swimming.
To prepare for water activities, make sure to have proper safety equipment.
Boating Safety Tips
Boat Sober.
- Never boat under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
- Alcohol use is the leading factor in fatal boating incidents, where the primary cause was known, alcohol is a factor in 20% of deaths
- Alcohol is a leading factor in drowning deaths, impairing judgment, balance, coordination, and the ability to respond in an emergency.
Wear a Life Jacket.
- 87% of people who drown in a recreational boating incident don’t wear a life jacket.
- Proper safety equipment includes properly fitted life jackets and readily accessible throwable flotation devices.
Take a Boating Safety Course.
- In incidents where the operator’s instruction was known, 69% of deaths happen on boats driven by operators with no boating safety instruction.
Operation Dry Water in Michigan
Deputies from the Sheriff’s Offices’ Marine Units of Oakland County, Monroe County, Van Buren will be out on county lakes for the operation with Metro Detroit U.S Coast Guard stations.
Oakland County has 450 navigable lakes and 83,000 registered boats, the most of any county in in Michigan.
“This holiday weekend should be remembered for time with family, friends, and great memories—not tragedy” Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard said. “The most effective lifesaving tool isn’t a boat or a rescue device; it’s an attentive adult whose sole responsibility is watching the water. If children or inexperienced swimmers are in or near the water, designate someone whose only job is to actively supervise them—free from distractions like phones, conversations, or grilling.”
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team has full-time deputies who are highly trained in technical rescue, according the office the team can dive in virtually any weather or water conditions.
The unit has 23 patrol boats, 3 jump boats, one hovercraft, 12 all-terrain vehicles, seven specialty rescue boats, and is equipped with SONAR, AquaEyes, underwater camera, and underwater robot for search and rescue emergencies.
Metro Detroit Marine offices coordinate with the Southeast Michigan Dive Group.
The Southeast Michigan Dive Group represents Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
The dive group is available 24/7, 365 days for professional response and/or support in water rescues and recovery incidents for the three states.
The Southeast Michigan Dive Group is comprised of approximately 418 divers and more than 245 support personnel from 35 agencies.