LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas wildlife officers will join boating safety officers throughout the United States this weekend to crack down on boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The special awareness action, dubbed “Operation Dry Water,” is an annual event held the weekend before Independence Day to prevent boating accidents from irresponsible boating caused by drinking.

According to Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, boating law administrator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Boating while intoxicated can be even more dangerous that driving a car while intoxicated, as most boaters have less experience operating a boat than they do operating a car. Boats don’t have brakes, and slower responses to a sudden danger can be the difference between life and death.   MORE