Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office targets impaired boating for holiday weekend
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY — As boating activity ramps up for the Fourth of July holiday, local law enforcement is cracking down on operating under the influence to prevent holiday tragedies on the water.
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office announced it will participate in Operation Dry Water from July 3–5. The national awareness campaign focuses on educating the public about the dangers of alcohol- and drug-impaired boating while promoting sober behavior for everyone on board.
According to safety officials, alcohol remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities nationwide. Impairment drastically reduces judgment, balance, vision, and reaction times — all of which are essential skills for safe boating.
Authorities emphasized that the danger extends beyond just the person driving the boat. Alcohol use by passengers can create hazardous distractions, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of passengers falling overboard or getting ejected from the vessel.
“Boating safety depends on everyone making responsible choices,” Walla Walla County Chief Deputy Richard Schram said. “Operation Dry Water helps boaters understand that alcohol affects more than just the person at the helm. Impairment anywhere on a boat can lead to dangerous situations.”
Throughout the holiday weekend, deputies will support outreach efforts focusing on sober boating, life jacket compliance, and monitoring changing water conditions.
Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Photo courtesy Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office
