Marine patrols are on high alert this holiday weekend, reminding everyone of the dangers of boating while impaired.
Operation Dry Water has been around since 2009. This effort, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, is credited with removing more than 5,300 impaired off the nation’s waterways.
The officers aren’t just looking for impaired boaters. That is certainly the emphasis this Fourth of July weekend.“So, our jurisdiction got bigger as of this year,” said Corporal Bobby Jira. He is on board one of three Marine Patrol units run by the Mercer Island Police Department, now responsible for patrolling a portion of the nearly 22-mile-long Lake Washington from Hunts Point to Renton.Jira is the officer working to ensure boaters are staying safe. The emphasis this holiday weekend is Operation Dry Water, reminding boaters to stay sober while operating their vessel.“I would say that’s a good rule of thumb, said Jira.