ODNR to Participate in Operation Dry Water Campaign July 3-5 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft will join law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement effort taking place July 3-5, 2026. The annual campaign aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and reinforce the dangers of boating under the influence. 

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers from all 56 U.S. states, territories, and trusts are expected to participate in this year’s heightened enforcement weekend. 

“Boating under the influence is illegal, dangerous, and entirely preventable,” said ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb. “Our Natural Resources Officers will be out on the water to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and responsible holiday weekend.” 

Since its launch in 2009, Operation Dry Water has become one of the nation’s most recognized boating safety initiatives. Over the past 17 years, law enforcement agencies have removed nearly 8,000 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways and made contact with more than 3.3 million boaters during the annual three‑day enforcement period. 

The Fourth of July holiday consistently sees increased boating traffic and higher rates of alcohol consumption—factors historically tied to serious boating incidents. While the heightened enforcement weekend occurs each summer, Operation Dry Water remains a year‑round initiative focused on education, outreach, and changing behaviors surrounding impaired boating. 

ODNR encourages all boaters to take a boating education course, designate a sober operator, wear a life jacket, and stay alert while enjoying Ohio’s waterways this holiday weekend. For more boating resources and a link to all of Ohio’s boating regulations, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating. 

To learn more about Operation Dry Water, visit operationdrywater.org.