A nationwide effort to prevent boating while impaired and keep waters safe for all will take place July 3-5, and the Wisconsin DNR is on-board with the program.
The national campaign notes that alcohol use remains a leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities nationwide. In 2025, one-third of Wisconsin’s 15 fatal boating accidents involved alcohol. Boat operators should also know that OWI law applies on the water, and boating that involves alcohol or other drugs is both dangerous and illegal.
According to DNR statistics so far in 2026, there have been nine boating fatalities. Impairment results are pending in five cases, but one did involve alcohol, and most involved failure to wear a life jacket.
The Wisconsin DNR urges boaters, operators and passengers to boat sober, wear a life jacket, and respect others on the water. You can learn more about Operation Dry Water here.
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