Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit will join "Operation Dry Water," a national campaign against boating under the influence (BUI), from July 4 to 6, 2025. The initiative aims to deter and remove impaired boaters to enhance public safety. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is among three Illinois law enforcement agencies participating, alongside the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the United States Coast Guard Station Chicago.

"Boating under the influence puts everyone on the water in danger," said Sheriff John D. Idleburg. "Our Marine Unit is dedicated to protecting lives, and we’re proud to be part of this national effort to prevent needless tragedies on our lakes and rivers."

Operation Dry Water is organized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) with support from the U.S. Coast Guard. Annually, law enforcement agencies nationwide engage in a three-day period focusing on boaters operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol use is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities.

During this weekend, the Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit will focus on identifying and addressing impaired boating locally. "Impaired boating is 100% preventable," Sheriff Idleburg emphasized. "We urge everyone heading out on the water to plan ahead, assign a sober operator, and help us keep the waterways safe."

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit: https://www.operationdrywater.org

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