TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are set to increase patrols on the water to enforce Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws over the weekend.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in deadly boating incidents nationwide, accounting for one in five boating deaths.

Boating presents unique physical stressors, including prolonged sun exposure, wind, vibration, and motion, which can intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs more rapidly than on land.

These conditions impair judgment, balance, and reaction time, which the Coast Guard says compound the dangers associated with BUI.

With the Fourth of July ranking among the busiest boating weekends of the year, the USCG will conduct “Operation Dry Water” throughout the weekend.

From July 3 through July 5, law enforcement agencies will increase patrols on waterways nationwide to educate boaters and enforce BUI laws.

Boaters should expect a visible and active law enforcement presence throughout the holiday weekend and beyond.

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