Blount County Sheriff’s Office participating in Operation Dry Water campaign

Blount County, Tennessee – As part of a national effort to raise awareness about the risks of impaired boating, Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across the country in supporting the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. The campaign aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water through education, outreach, and heightened enforcement.

Operation Dry Water weekend, taking place July 4 – 6, 2025, is a nationwide campaign designed to increase awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence and to support enhanced enforcement efforts. Alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths and plays a major role in serious boating incidents. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office encourages all boaters to prioritize safety by committing to sober boating practices year-round. Impairment from alcohol or any drug – whether legal or illegal – can significantly hinder judgment, coordination, and reaction time on the water.

“Boating safety starts with awareness and preparation,” Sheriff Berrong said. “Operation Dry Water gives us an opportunity to engage directly with the boating community about the dangers of impaired operation and the importance of responsible choices on the water. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to promoting safe practices, including sober boating, life jacket use, and boater education, to help prevent incidents and save lives.”

During Operation Dry Water weekend, boating safety advocates, volunteers, and law enforcement officers will collaborate to promote safe boating practices at marinas and on waterways across all U.S. states and territories. Participating law enforcement agencies will also engage in efforts to identify and remove operators who exhibit dangerous or impaired behavior. During the 2024 campaign, officers across the country removed 584 impaired boaters from the water, helping to prevent potentially life-threatening incidents.

The BCSO emphasizes the importance of sober operation, life jacket use, and respectful behavior on the water. Consuming alcohol while boating increases the risk of serious injury for both operators and passengers. Even when the boat operator remains sober, alcohol use by passengers can still create hazardous situations. As the July 4 weekend approaches, the BCSO encourages everyone on the water to prioritize safety by choosing to remain sober and alert.

Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting Operationdrywater.org. Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationally by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.