Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of enforcement efforts to detect impaired boat operators in conjunction with the national “Operation Dry Water” campaign. This is the 10th year for the national effort, and Missouri has participated since the program’s inception. This year’s Operation Dry Water campaign occurred June 29-July 1, 2018. Troopers conducted saturations and worked extended shifts to bring heightened awareness to the issue of boating while intoxicated.
Troopers arrested seven people statewide for boating while intoxicated, contacted 710 vessels and 2,301 boaters, and issued 84 boating violation summonses and 951 warnings. Marine operations troopers also issued 86 summonses for non-boating violations during the 2018 Operation Dry Water weekend. Special enforcement operations will continue throughout the summer months. Boaters are reminded that designating a sober operator is always the safest bet if alcohol is going to be included in their boating experience.
Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!
