As the July 4 holiday approaches, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is drawing attention to its Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign in Johnson City, Tenn.
The Independence Day holiday sees a heightened awareness and law enforcement presence on waterways thanks to the year-round boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement initiative known as ODW.
Between July 4th and 6th, law enforcement agencies, along with the TWRA, will actively patrol the waterways to ensure safe boating practices are being followed.
According to News Channel 11, Matt Cameron, a spokesperson for TWRA, emphasized the importance of intervening in cases where individuals are boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol in order to prevent potential fatalities.
He emphasized that boating under the influence is the primary cause of fatal boating accidents in the country. Removing an impaired operator from the waterways can lead to saving lives out there.
According to Cameron, there will be a noticeable increase in officer patrols on lakes and rivers throughout the Tri-Cities region, which will be observed by boaters.
According to a statement by Lt. Col. Matt Majors of TWRA’s Boating and Law Enforcement Division, boating under the influence is a completely avoidable offense that will not be condoned by wildlife officers. Such behavior is deemed as reckless and inconsiderate, as it puts one’s life, as well as the safety of others, in danger by consuming alcohol or drugs and operating a boat.
The TWRA has made it clear that Tennessee law strictly prohibits operating a boat with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or higher, which is equivalent to driving a car under the influence. If caught, boaters could face severe consequences such as fines, imprisonment, boat impoundment, and the revocation of boat driving privileges. To enforce this law, TWRA officers will be patrolling the waters on the 4th of July with breathalyzers at the ready to test boaters.
