Operation Dry Water being conducted on Lake Powell July 4 to 6, 2025; focus to end deaths and injuries caused by boating under the influence

From July 4 to 6, 2025, the national Operation Dry Wa­ter awareness and enforcement initia­tive will take place on Lake Powell. Glen Canyon National Rec­reation Area Rangers, in partnership with the National Associa­tion of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will actively participate in the national height­ened awareness and enforcement weekend. During this time, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educat­ing boaters about safe practices, including the importance of so­ber boating, with the goal of enhancing boat­ing safety nationwide.

NPS Ranger greets boaters. NPS File Photo.

During Operation Dry Water, Glen Can­yon National Recre­ation Area Rangers will actively work to increase public aware­ness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs for operators and passengers alike. Boaters will see an overall increase in of­ficer patrols on the wa­ter and at recreational boating checkpoints. The top priority dur­ing this time is the safety of all boaters on the water, and any impaired boater or individual posing a danger to others will be removed from the waterways. The park is partnering with agencies nationwide to prevent incidents, deaths, and injuries caused by boating un­der the influence.

Whether you’re at the helm of the ves­sel or a passenger on board, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone around you at risk. Op­erating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries, death, and legal consequences. In Arizona, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. In Utah, it is illegal to operate a ves­sel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher. The park reminds boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jack­et when on or around the water.

Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U. S. Coast Guard ap­proved lifejacket when the boat is underway. The park is commit­ted to promoting the safety of recreational boaters, paddlers, and all waterway users.

More safety information is available at nps.gov/glca/planyourvis­it/safety.htm Visit opera­tiondrywater. org for more information about boat­ing under the influence.