Press Releases
07/02/2026
DEEP Announces “Operation Dry Water” Campaign to Halt Boating Under the Influence
Under New Law Boating Under the Influence Suspensions Also Result in Driver's License Suspension
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) will again participate in the “Operation Dry Water” campaign, a national initiative aimed at curbing boating under the influence (BUI). Set to run from July 3 through July 5, this heightened enforcement and awareness campaign targets the dangerous combination of alcohol or drug use while operating a vessel.
Boating under the influence is not just dangerous but also illegal. In Connecticut, as with operating a motor vehicle, it is illegal to operate a vessel with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Effective October 1, 2025, Public Act 25-159 established reciprocal suspension penalties for BUI and Driving Under the Influence, meaning actions on the water can affect your privilege to drive on the road. EnCon Police urge boaters to remain sober and to always wear a life jacket.
As millions of boaters take to the water nationally during the July 4th holiday, the risk of boating accidents and fatalities increases. Alcohol consumption is the leading known factor in recreational boating deaths, and this campaign highlights the critical need for safe, sober boating practices.
During the campaign, EnCon Police will collaborate with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), local law enforcement, and the U.S. Coast Guard to educate the public about the dangers of boating under the influence. Increased patrols will be seen on the water to ensure that impaired boaters are removed from the waterways, reducing risks for everyone.
"Every boater has a responsibility to help keep Connecticut's waterways safe," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "If you're operating a boat this holiday weekend, stay sober, wear a life jacket, and make smart decisions that protect your passengers and everyone else on the water. By taking responsibility for your own safety and looking out for others, we can all enjoy a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend."
DEEP EnCon Police Colonel Brian Newman said, “Law enforcement plays a critical role in Operation Dry Water by promoting voluntary compliance, educating boaters, and taking enforcement action when necessary to prevent impaired boating. Our goal is to protect lives on the water through proactive patrols, public awareness, and a commitment to safe recreational boating.”
Operation Dry Water is part of a year-round initiative to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water by educating the public and creating a strong deterrent for impaired boating. For more information, visit operationdrywater.org, the DEEP EnCon Police page on the DEEP website, or follow Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police on Facebook.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110