LITTLE ROCK — With Independence Day falling on a Thursday this year, many people are taking full advantage of an extended stay at their favorite lakeside retreat. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking that everyone enjoying the revelry be aware of the dangers brought about by drinking while aboard a boat. To help make the weekend safe, wildlife officers throughout Arkansas are gearing up for Operation Dry Water July 5-7.

Operation Dry Water is a weekend of increased enforcement throughout the nation to prevent instances of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year’s boating enforcement efforts resulted in 202 warnings and 103 citations, which may have prevented serious accidents while on the water or the drive home.     MORE