Waukegan, IL – Law enforcement on Lake Michigan will be stepping up patrols over the July 4 holiday as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit joins a nationwide effort to combat boating under the influence (BUI).
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, the campaign—titled Operation Dry Water—will run from July 4 to July 6, 2025, and aims to reduce impaired boating and improve safety on waterways. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Lake County is one of only three law enforcement agencies in Illinois participating this year, alongside the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. 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.”
The campaign targets alcohol and drug use among recreational boaters, with officers increasing patrols and conducting BUI checks during the busy holiday weekend. Sheriff Idleburg emphasized that “impaired boating is 100% preventable,” urging boaters to assign a sober operator before heading out.
Alcohol use continues to be the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities nationwide, according to NASBLA.
For more information on the campaign, residents can visit www.operationdrywater.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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