Operation Dry Water 2024 focuses on Fourth of July week

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – North Dakota Game and Fish Department game wardens will once again participate in a national campaign called Operation Dry Water.

“Operation Dry Water is a national campaign focusing on the awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence, both alcohol and drug use,” said Jackie Lundstrom, NDGF game warden supervisor.

This year’s campaign is focused on the Fourth of July week, July 4-6.

“That time frame has historically been picked because it is a national holiday, and it’s a time frame when just about everybody gets together for some sort of family gathering or friends and family outing and watching fireworks,” said Lundstrom.

There are many partners who participate in Operation Dry Water on a local and national level.

“Across the country, all agencies involved with any type of water enforcement. That could be a state agency, it could be sheriff’s departments, local police departments. We have states and territories all over the country that are involved with this project. And it’s also in correlation with the U.S. Coast Guard as well,” said Lundstrom.

What can boaters expect when stopped by game wardens or other participating agencies during Operation Dry Water?

“If you are stopped, whether it was for an initial violation or a safety check, our officers will go through those items that are required, and then they’ll also discuss whether or not there’s a sober operator on board for the day,” said Lundstrom.

The Fourth of July is a holiday when family and friends typically gather and have a great time on our state’s lakes and rivers, but at the end of the day, everyone has the same end goal.

“Our ultimate goal when we’re outdoors and out on the water, especially this holiday weekend, we want to make sure that everyone comes home safe and has a good time on the water,” said Lundstrom.

Most of the fatal boating accidents in North Dakota are alcohol-related.

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