State Parks Officer Emily Gaston demonstrates administering a field sobriety test at Navajo Lake State Park. Photo: NM State Parks.Law enforcement officers will enforce sober boating to reduce alcohol-related accidents and fatalities

SANTA FE, NM  As boaters look forward to the 4th of July holiday, New Mexico State Parks rangers will be actively looking for those violating boating under the influence (BUI) laws. From July 4 €“ 6, State Parks rangers will join law enforcement officers nationwide for the annual Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. 

"Each year we are faced with boating incidents and related tragedies that could have been avoided," said Toby Velasquez, State Parks Director. "Operating a vessel while impaired can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime. To prevent these incidents from occurring, our state park officers. will be out in force to remind boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket." 

In 2023, law enforcement officers nationwide contacted more than 302,000 boaters, made 717 BUI arrests and issued nearly 33,000citations and warnings for safety violations over the three-day heightened awareness and enforcement weekend. 

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Data from the USCG shows that alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Intoxication can also lead to slips, falls overboard, and other dangerous incidents for passengers. BUI laws pertain to all vessels from motorized recreational boats to paddle craft such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Boaters can learn more about New Mexico boating laws and life jacket safety by visiting the State Parks Boating Program online at www.emnrd.nm.gov .