New Mexico State Parks increases BUI patrols for Fourth of July weekend
New Mexico State Parks will increase on-the-water BUI patrols July 3-5 for the Fourth of July weekend as part of Operation Dry Water.
Officers will increase on-the-water patrols July 3-5 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national effort to prevent boating under the influence.
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - New Mexico State Parks will increase on-the-water patrols during the Fourth of July holiday weekend as part of a national effort to prevent boating under the influence.
State Parks officers will conduct targeted enforcement, public education and safety compliance checks July 3-5 as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide boating safety initiative.
The effort is being conducted in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard.
According to the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.
“Your New Mexico State Parks are great and accessible destinations to enjoy the Fourth of July safely on the water,” New Mexico State Parks Division Director Toby Velásquez said. “Boating under the influence is completely preventable, yet it puts everyone on or near the water at risk. To ensure a safe and memorable holiday weekend, our officers will strictly enforce BUI laws.”
Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is illegal in New Mexico.
State officials said alcohol and drug impairment can reduce balance, coordination, reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of preventable accidents, injuries and fatalities. Violations can result in arrest, fines and other legal consequences.
New Mexico State Parks urges boaters to stay sober, designate a non-drinking operator and always wear a life jacket when on or near water.
Operation Dry Water is a year-round national initiative aimed at reducing alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents through enforcement and public education. The annual heightened enforcement weekend around the Fourth of July is part of coordinated national boating safety efforts.
More information about boating under the influence and safe boating practices is available at OperationDryWater.org and emnrd.nm.gov/spd/activities/boating-2/.
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