Operation Dry Water promotes sober boating

Drinking and boating can be a fatal mix. The port security division of the New Bedford Police Department joins law enforcement from across the country the weekend of July 1 and 2 in Operation Dry Water, which aims to reduce the incidences of drinking while boating.

Operation Dry Water is held every year around the Fourth of July holiday, a holiday known for increased boaters on the water with alcohol present, and subsequently, boating accidents and fatalities. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Alcohol was the leading factor in 15 percent of boating deaths where the leading cause was known. Be safe out there!