TWRA Operation Dry Water to Take Place This Weekend

The TWRA is reminding people that their ninth annual Operation Dry Water will be taking place the weekend of June 30 through July 2.

Operation Dry Water is a national event that takes place yearly, with saturation of high traffic areas, which include Douglas and Cherokee lakes in Jefferson County.  It is meant to deter BUI (Boating Under the Influence) and bring awareness to the issue.  A majority of boating accidents on the regions waterways are drug or alcohol related, and TWRA intends to step up enforcement this weekend.

In 2016 during Operation Dry Water, there were 10 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests across the state. TWRA boating officers checked more than 4,000 vessels, issued 175 citations, 113 warnings, and assisted 94 boaters. There were four injury accidents and three property damage accidents reported.

Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.