DNR among agencies patrolling for holiday boaters driving under the influence

Public agencies will be patrolling over Independence Day weekend to crack down on people driving boats under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the Minnesota Department of Natural resources says.

The DNR says Operation Dry Water is backed by statistics from recent years that roughly half of Minnesota’s boating-related deaths have involved alcohol.

Operation Dry Water says sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion on boats can intensify the already-impairing effects of alcohol and drugs.

The legal BAC for driving a boat under the influence of alcohol is .08, the same as driving a car.

Minnesota patrols will run July 2-4 during the national campaign, the DNR says. Watch the DNR’s June 30 press conference at the top of the article.

DNR advice for safe boating this holiday weekend coincides with holiday advice other agencies have issued.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to slow down, as summer construction may cause delays and present safety hazards if people aren’t careful.

RELATED: MnDOT: Slow down, expect holiday travel delays

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns people to celebrate wisely with fireworks, as an average of 250 people per day are sent to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries around the Fourth of July holiday.

In other words, Minnesota authorities are reminding people to be safe and smart as they celebrate the first Independence day without COVID-19 restrictions.

Boating safety resources, including life jacket requirements, can be found here.

Tips for driving safely near construction zones can be found here.

Firework safety advice can be found here at KSTP’s Fourth of July guide.