ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 3, 2025 — Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) will increase patrols and vessel checks across the state’s waterways during the Independence Day weekend, focusing on preventing impaired boating through the 17th annual Operation Dry Water. The campaign, running July 4 to July 6, emphasizes sober boating, life jacket use, and weather awareness to ensure safety during the year’s busiest boating holiday. Boaters convicted of operating under the influence face up to one year in prison and the loss of their boating license.
NRP officers will conduct saturation patrols on nearly every Maryland waterway, targeting impaired operators as part of the national Operation Dry Water, coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. In 2024, NRP charged 12 boaters with Operating While Under the Influence during the three-day effort, marking the highest number of such arrests since 2018. “This upcoming July 4 holiday should be a joyous event, especially when spent on the water,” said Lt. Col. Michael Sewell, NRP Deputy Superintendent and Boating Law Administrator. “Unfortunately, this holiday weekend is often marred by boating accidents and tragedies that could have been avoided. Officers will be conducting saturation patrols on nearly every waterway in Maryland, but boaters have to do their part as well by avoiding drinking and operating.”
Alcohol remains a significant factor in boating incidents. NRP’s 2024 boating accident statistics show alcohol contributed to six accidents and two fatalities on Maryland waterways. Nationwide, alcohol is the leading known cause of fatal boating incidents. Compounding the risks, over 90 percent of Maryland’s fatal boating accident victims in the past five years were not wearing life jackets. NRP stresses that all boaters must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, with one required for each passenger, and ensure they are in good condition.
Operation Dry Water includes outreach and education to promote safe boating practices. NRP urges boaters to designate a “sober skipper” and avoid alcohol consumption while operating vessels. Additional safety measures include filing a float plan or informing someone of travel plans and expected return times. Boaters must also monitor weather conditions, as sudden storms can make navigation hazardous. Officers demonstrated these principles at Sandy Point State Park, displaying life jackets and sharing safety tips ahead of the holiday weekend.
Maryland’s waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, see heavy traffic during the July 4 weekend, increasing the potential for accidents. NRP’s heightened enforcement aims to reduce risks through vessel inspections and compliance checks. Boaters are required to carry operational life jackets, regularly inspected for wear and tear, and ensure all safety equipment meets U.S. Coast Guard standards. The agency also advises checking weather forecasts before departure and staying vigilant for rapid changes while on the water.
The consequences of impaired boating are severe. A conviction carries penalties of up to one year in prison and revocation of boating privileges, reflecting Maryland’s strict stance on waterway safety. NRP’s efforts build on a history of proactive enforcement, with the 2024 Operation Dry Water campaign highlighting the agency’s commitment to reducing alcohol-related incidents. The campaign’s success depends on boater cooperation, as individual responsibility plays a critical role in preventing accidents.
Maryland’s boating regulations, detailed on the NRP website, outline requirements for safe vessel operation, including licensing and equipment standards. The state’s waterways, managed by the Department of Natural Resources, support recreational activities that draw thousands of residents and visitors annually. NRP’s mission is to protect these resources while ensuring public safety through enforcement and education.
As the holiday weekend approaches, NRP encourages boaters to prioritize safety by remaining sober, wearing life jackets, and preparing for changing conditions. Operation Dry Water serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to keep Maryland’s waterways safe for all users.
