This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August, 2023 eNewsletter.
By DNR Lt. Darren Kuhn, Boating Law Administrator and DNR Conservation Warden Ben Mott of the Wautoma Warden Team
DNR Lt. Darren Kuhn
Warden Ben Mott
We are here to report Operation Dry Water 2023 was a success, highlighted by thousands of positive educational contacts with boaters and necessary enforcement actions against a minority of operators found to be impaired.
You may remember last month we gave the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association our heads up about the annual national education and enforcement weekend known as Operation Dry Water, held each year in conjunction with the July 4th weekend.
We’re back this month with an update about this alcohol awareness and enforcement effort created by NASBLA – the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
If any association members enjoyed the warm holiday weekend on the water, you likely saw our DNR conservation wardens, along with area boat patrols. It’s a team effort to keep the waters safe for all, and we wardens appreciate the partnerships with the local agencies and organizations like the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.
THOUSANDS OF CONTACTS, SOME COMMON ERRORS
As we all know, alcohol and other drugs are major contributing factors in boating incidents and often result in serious injury and death. While the top priority of the annual campaign is to take enforcement action against operators found impaired, we also offer education about other common boating errors that could lead to unfortunate incidents.
A top educational priority is ensuring everyone on board has access to a life jacket – or better yet, wardens urge always wearing a life jacket on the water. Wearing a life jacket is required by law for younger boaters and paddlers, but we wardens stress that everyone wins when wearing life jackets.
We had great weather for this year’s Operation Dry Water, with only some isolated rain or threats of storms. This made our waterways quite busy with motorboats and paddlers in canoes, kayaks and on stand-up boards.
We had 98 wardens working at least one day of the Operation Dry Water campaign, contacting nearly 2,700 boats and approximately 7,600 boaters. These efforts resulted in the arrests of 27 operators found to be impaired by alcohol and one by other drugs. Wardens issued 1,157 warnings for boating-related violations and 251 for non-boating violations.
We wardens also stress the importance of designating a boat operator if alcoholic beverages will be consumed by other passengers. It’s in the same way to avoid driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages.
CHAIN OF LAKES SPOTLIGHT
A local look at some common errors found on the Chain O’ Lakes near Waupaca represents what other wardens found statewide:
Life Jackets: While the law states life jackets must match the number on board and be accessible, in the event of an emergency the chances of having the wherewithal to find the jacket and put it on correctly are low. That’s why we wardens encourage wearing it whenever you’re on the water. With today’s styles and colors, life jackets are comfortable to the point that it’s often is common to forget you are wearing it.
Boat Speed: If you have a motorboat that can reach higher speeds, it is important to take stock of other boaters. There are paddlers everywhere nowadays – and their numbers are increasing every year. Are you aware of other restrictions – such as local slow-no-wake zones? Even though your boat has power, a crowded waterbody may not be the best place to use that power.
Improper Lighting: While on the water, especially when there is heavy boat traffic, it is important to follow navigation rules and to use the proper lighting so other operators can see you.
Wardens also saw some cases of motor problems, necessitating repairs or a tow. It’s a great idea to check all the equipment before you leave the dock. It’s easier to fix things on land than in waves.
In closing, we wish you a fun, safe and enjoyable rest of your summer. Remember your safety tips and come home with lifelong memories.