Operation Dry Water: Coast Guard On Patrol For Drunk Boaters During July 4th Holiday

Don’t even think about drinking and boating today.

The U.S. Coast Guard and maritime law enforcement partners announced Thursday that they will be patrolling the waters around Nantucket and the region from July 4th through July 6th in search of drunk boaters as part of their annual “Operation Dry Water” efforts. The goal of Operation Dry Water is to educate the public on boating safety and stop “boating under the influence” (or BUI), hopefully preventing drunk boating injuries on the water.

Coast Guard Station Brant Point master chief John Lowell said his crew will once again be participating in the operation and will be keeping a watchful eye on the waters around the island.

“We are going to be part of Operation Dry Water for sure,” Lowell told the Current. “We’re going to be out there, so don’t boat and drink. With the fireworks going on and everything, we need to be especially safe with all the additional traffic on the water.”

Last year, Operation Dry Water led to 584 BUI arrests and a significant 43,554 citations for recreational boating safety violations.

“Fun boating activities are best supported by safe boating practices,” says Lt. Sam Irwin, Chief of Enforcement. “Check your safety equipment, make responsible decisions, and have a plan before heading out on the water!”

But when it comes to perhaps the most important statistic, the water may be safer than ever. Throughout 2024, the Coast Guard reported the fewest boating fatalities since it began collecting statistics more than half a century ago, with deaths falling 1.4 percent from 2023 to 556. In 1971, the fatality rate was 20.6 per 100,000 boaters. Now, it has fallen to 4.8 per 100,000.

Boat operators are not allowed to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher, the same cutoff as for drivers.

A U.S. Coast Guard study in 2023 determined that alcohol was the primary contributing factor in 17 percent of recreational boating fatalities, and it is believed to be the leading cause of boating accidents.

To report a maritime emergency or a potential BUI, contact Sector Southeastern New England via VHF channel 16 or (866) 819-9128.