Full Notification

The Green Bay Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard are joining together in an intensified effort to spread awareness of the dangers and perform enforcement towards stopping boaters under the influence (BUI) on the Green Bay waterways.

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities. This is done through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

ODW’s heightened awareness and enforcement takes place this weekend. The weekend around the 4th of July unfortunately is known for drinking. According to the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating 2017 Boating statistics:

“Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths in 2017. Boaters impaired by alcohol were a factor in 19% of the boating fatalities. Boating under the Influence is illegal. Operating a recreational vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is against Wisconsin law.

With alcohol use remaining the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, the mission of the campaign and those who supported is to change the cultural acceptance of drinking and boating and help boaters have a safe and fun recreational boating experience

The Green Bay Police Marine Unit will be patrolling the waterways throughout the weekend. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday and safe boating season.