x
Breaking News
More () »

Operation Dry Water takes to the Mississippi

The Mississippi and rivers like it across the United States were packed with law enforcement Saturday in a joint effort to keep the water safe. The Iowa Departm...

The Mississippi and rivers like it across the United States were packed with law enforcement Saturday in a joint effort to keep the water safe.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is participating in the National “Operation Dry Water” Program.  Joined by the Illinois DNR and the Coast Guard, they are stopping every boat on the water.   They are checking for signs of drunk boating and making sure every boat has the proper safety equipment.

Jeff Harrison, Conservation Officer with the Iowa DNR says the event is an effort to not only patrol the water but to also raise boaters awareness about the steps needed to stay safe on the water.

“We are out checking for people that are consuming too much but we are also doing safety checks to see if they have life jackets.  We are doing this so they are consciously thinking about that,” Harrison says.

Law enforcers patrolling our area stopped 73 boats along the river Saturday.  Among those stops, there were 3 Boating While Intoxicated tickets, issued 5 citations and 15 warning citations.  There was also one boating accident that left 4 boaters stranded.

Before You Leave, Check This Out