Baker County Sheriff’s Office patrolling for safe boating over holiday weekend

By Terry Murry on Friday, July 1st, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is one of hundreds of law enforcement agencies taking part in Operation Dry Water over the coming 4^th of July weekend. BCSO marine deputies will mount patrols dedicated to saving lives and keeping boaters safe by reducing the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents.

In addition to sheriff’s offices and police departments, even the U.S. Coast Guard is involved in Operation Dry Water. Coast Guard units are partnering with state boating law administrators and local law enforcement agencies to make it a success.

Even though emphasis to boating under the influence is stressed during the 4^th of July weekend, Operation Dry Water is a year-round awareness campaign. Agencies from all U.S. states and territories are participating.

In 2021, law enforcement officers made a total of 638 BUI arrests after contacting more than 328,000 boaters over the course of the three-day weekend.