CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — State and local law enforcement are planning to crack down on impaired boaters for the Fourth of July Weekend as part of "Operation Dry Water."

According to a news release from the Clarksville Police Department, they are partnering with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for the "Operation Dry Water campaign." The TWRA said the heightened enforcement period will start on July 4 and run through July 6.

The campaign is part of a national initiative to reduce alcohol and drug related boating incidents, according to CPD. The TWRA said the initiative was started in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem,” CPD Sgt. Gary Mefford. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users.”

Police are reminding Tennessee residents that it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher. Local law enforcement will be focused on removing impaired boaters from the water throughout the holiday weekend, according to the release.

“Driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a preventable crime, and if found doing so by our wildlife officers, you will be arrested and taken to jail,” Lt. Col Matt Majors of the TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division said. “There are no differences in operating a car, truck, or a boat while impaired, so leave the drugs and alcohol at home. It is our mission to create a safe and enjoyable boating experience for all those who boat in Tennessee.”

Police are also encouraging those who will be on the water to wear a life jacket, noting that alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths due in part to sun, wind, noise and motion intensifying its effects.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/operation-dry-water-2025/