A group of state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies are placing a focus on enforcing Iowa’s boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign. The mission is to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence.

From July 1-3, boating while intoxicated enforcement will be conducted statewide, with increased patrols, check points, and breath tests. During Operation Dry Water 2022, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and its partners contacted more than 1,425 vessels containing 5,253 boaters, resulting in 533 citations or warnings. That same year, Iowa reported 36 total boating while intoxicated arrests, 5 more than the year prior.

The DNR has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and local police and sheriff’s departments as part of previous Operation Dry Water campaigns.