The Missouri State Highway Patrol says special enforcement to prevent boating while intoxicated will continue during the Independence Day weekend through the end of the summer.

 

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, says last weekend’s “Operation Dry Water” enforcement led to three arrests statewide.

Troopers contacted 543 vessels and 1,531 boaters. Colonel Johnson says they issued 85 summonses for boating violations and 588 warnings. Marine operations troopers also issued 137 summonses for non-boating violations during the 2015 Operation Dry Water weekend.

Col. Johnson says special enforcement operations will continue throughout the summer months. Boaters are reminded that designating a sober operator is always the safest bet if alcohol is going to be included in their boating experience.

Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket.