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U.S. Coast Guard to undertake Operation Dry Water July 2-4

By Breeze Staff Report - | Jun 21, 2022

The U.S. Coast Guard announced that Operation Dry Water 2022 is taking place July 2-4 with heightened enforcement.

Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

The announcement was delivered through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary also re-minded boaters to make sure they wear life jackets.

The leading cause of drowning fatalities in Florida is lack of a life jacket.

“The Coast Guard has a zero-tolerance policy for boating while intoxicated. Always have a sober captain and save the party for the pier,” U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91 Fort Myers Beach Commander Greg Masonick stated.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary also encourages boaters to take boating safety classes. Local boaters can find classes online at www.aux91 fmb.org/safeboating or by calling 239-690-6780 option 1.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the lead agency in investigating boating accidents reported that in 2021, 83% of boating accident fatalities did not take a boating safety class.