TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Additional law enforcement agencies will patrol the waters to ensure people celebrate safely the July 4 weekend.
This year is Operation Dry Water, which is in its 17th year. This is where local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together to prevent influential boats.
Boats are popular all year round in Florida, but are especially popular on weekends on independent holiday.
Law enforcement said rain or glow and sailors need to stay calm on the water.
Karen Miller, auxiliary captain of the Clearwater Coast Guard, said all dry water operations are about the importance of education and safety.
“We can appreciate the weather a little, and perhaps a lot of people will be out there and discourage them from identifying beef on the boat with beer or liquor beef,” Captain Miller said.
Miller said 556 boats had died nationwide last year.
“556 deaths are actually fewer than before within 50 years,” Miller said.
Additional law enforcement patrols, drinking checkpoints and education classes are about preventing everyone from losing their lives.
“Give them the real story of the injured and those who have died. It’s not just that we’re talking about, it has to be expanded. They have brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren,” Miller said.
Operation Dry Water runs throughout the weekend. For more information about the campaign, click here.
