Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced that its Marine Unit will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement and awareness campaign. The initiative is scheduled to run from July 4 to 6, 2025.

According to a press release, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will focus on reducing BUI to enhance safety on public waterways during this period. The effort includes increased patrols and enforcement by the Marine Unit, aiming to identify impaired boat operators and remove them from the water. Alcohol use is cited as the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities, making impaired operation a primary focus during the three-day campaign.

Operation Dry Water is organized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is one of only three agencies in Illinois registered for this year’s enforcement period, alongside the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Coast Guard Station Chicago. According to a press release, law enforcement agencies across the country join the campaign annually to increase public awareness and carry out BUI enforcement.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, "Boating under the influence puts everyone on the water in danger." He added that their Marine Unit is dedicated to protecting lives and expressed pride in being part of this national effort to prevent needless tragedies on lakes and rivers.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining order, upholding laws, and protecting individual rights within the community. It emphasizes service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement with an aim to build public trust. The office's core values include integrity, respect, and professionalism. It holds accreditation for adhering to recognized standards in law enforcement. According to its website, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was established with the county's founding in 1839 and has expanded over time with additions such as an 1895 jail and courthouse.