Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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07/02/2024

DEEP Announces Operation Dry Water 2024

DEEP Once Again Participating in National Boating Under the Influence Enforcement and Education Campaign

(HARTFORD) - With boating under the influence continuing to be a major factor in incidents and deaths on our nation’s waterways, officers from local, state, and federal agencies will once again team up for Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to raise awareness of and enforce laws against boating under the influence.

Officers from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon), local law enforcement, and the United States Coast Guard will be on the water across the state providing enforcement and education about the dangers of boating while impaired. The 2024 Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement period is scheduled for July 4 - 6, 2024, coinciding with the Fourth of July—a holiday known for increased activity on the water.

“DEEP is working to increase boater awareness of the dangers and risks associated with boating under the influence,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Officers will be on the lookout for impaired boaters on Connecticut’s lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as Long Island Sound. Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols both on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. Operation Dry Water aims to create a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water, providing boaters with a safe and enjoyable experience by removing impaired boaters from the waterways.”

“Every year we see tragic boating accidents that could have been avoided, had alcohol or drug use not been a factor. Operation Dry Water ensures that recreational boaters have a safe place to enjoy time with their family and friends,” said EnCon Colonel Chris Lewis.  “Alcohol use can impair a boater’s judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time with deadly consequences.”

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 or above – the same limit when operating a vehicle. According to DEEP boating statistics, alcohol was a contributing factor in 21% of all boating accident fatalities in Connecticut between 2018 - 2023.

Background

Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign coordinated through the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard with the mission of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

Visit Operation Dry Water for more information about boating under the influence.

For more information about boating laws and safe boating in Connecticut, visit: Boating and Paddling (ct.gov)

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110