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The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is increasing efforts to keep waterways safe during the busy Independence Day weekend and throughout the summer by focusing on removing impaired boaters from the water.<\/p>\n
From July 3 until July 5, 2026, Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) will join law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated campaign that includes heightened enforcement of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws. Officers will conduct increased patrols on the water as well as checkpoints at popular recreational boating areas.<\/p>\n
Working in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the PFBC aims to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired boating and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities associated with alcohol and drug use on the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe waters of the Commonwealth are shared by all of us, and they should be a safe place to enjoy,\u201d said Col. Jeffrey Sabo, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement. \u201cA boat operator\u2019s judgment and reaction time are affected by alcohol and drugs the same way as when you\u2019re driving a car on the road. That impairment can actually be greater on a boat because of the added stressors of sun, heat, wind, and noise.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate any watercraft whether powered or unpowered while impaired. The legal blood alcohol limit for boat operators is 0.08%, and WCOs are trained to identify signs of impairment and administer sobriety tests on the water. Penalties for boating under the influence can include fines, suspension of boating privileges, and possible imprisonment.<\/p>\n
Officials encourage boaters to avoid alcohol entirely or, at minimum, designate a sober operator who will not consume alcohol for the duration of the trip.<\/p>\n
Statistics from last year highlight the ongoing concern. In 2025, the PFBC made 27 BUI arrests, including nine during Operation Dry Water. In one case, a boat operator registered a blood alcohol content of 0.198%, more than twice the legal limit. Authorities also remind the public that standard motor vehicle laws regarding impaired driving apply when traveling to and from boating locations.<\/p>\n
Boaters are also reminded of several important safety regulations. State law requires that a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket be available for every person on board. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when on boats 20 feet or less in length, as well as on canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Life jackets must be properly fitted, in good condition, and used according to their specified purpose.<\/p>\n
Additionally, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate (BSEC) to operate a motorized boat with more than 25 horsepower. All operators of personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis\u2122, must have a BSEC regardless of age. Certification can be obtained by completing an approved boating safety course, either online or in person.<\/p>\n