Extra enforcement to keep boaters safe and sober

Operation Dry Water is in full effect to keep everyone safe this 4th of July.

Winds: se 0?

"*5 as we head into the long holiday weekend area law enforcement have a message for boaters.

Don''t drink at the helm.

They're stepping up extra enforcement ?

"* for ?

"(operation dry water.

It's an effort to keep boaters safe on area lakes.

Kimt news 3's alex jirgens joins us live at state park beach in clear lake.

Alex ?

"* i see a swarm of boaters behind you.

George and katie ?

"* it's very busy here at clear lake today ?

"* ?

"* probably the most boa i've seen.

And with all these people here ?

"* there's no need for alcohol to sensely ruin a good time.

While operation dry water is a year round campaign ?

"* this weekend more enforcement will be out.

They'll be handing out citations for those who are caught boating under the influence ?

"* and you could fae extra penalties ?

"* like fines and loss of boating privileges.

Iowa dnr conservation officer benjamin bergman says to designate a sober driver ?

"* just like you would for a car.xxx "have a designated driver for sure, have that safety equipment on board, fire extinguisher if needed.

Your throwable device if needed.

Make sure the boat's in working order too."

Penalties vary by state ?

"* but in iowa*- your first offense will nab you a thousand dollar fine ?

"* loss of provileges ?

"* and 48 hours in jail.

Just another reason to play it safe this holiday weekend... and avoid drinking and driving.

In clear lake, i'm kimt news 3's alex jirgens.

./// thank you alex.

Nationwide during last year's operation dry water ?

"* officials issued more than: 95 hundred citations ?

"* 25 thousand safey warnings ?

"* and 500 tickets fr boating under the influence.///