Due to a safety crackdown, there were no boating deaths in Arkansas on the Fourth of July

Little Rock, Arkansas – Because of the state’s enhanced emphasis on boating safety, there were no recorded boating fatalities over the Fourth of July vacation.

According to Sydney Grant, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s boating law administrator, 121 game wardens for the AGFC patrolled rivers, lakes, and streams for 2,400 hours.

During the annual Operation Dry Water endeavor, which took place between July 4 and 6, more than 11,250 people were reached.

“There were a few boating accidents reported, but that zero fatality number is always encouraging,” Grant said. “But we still have some room to improve, especially when it comes to boating under the influence.”

Grant also revealed that over the course of the holiday weekend, 23 boaters were arrested for operating their vessels while intoxicated, with one of them having a blood alcohol content three times the permitted limit.

According to Arkansas law, people who are arrested for operating their boars while inebriated would probably lose their driver’s license in addition to facing severe fines.

The AGFC Enforcement Division chief, Colonel Brad Young, commended the officers for their efforts throughout the boating safety campaign.

“Taking those 23 impaired boaters off the water likely prevented some major disasters and saved lives during a weekend reserved for celebration,” Young said. “I am extremely proud of our men and women out there making sure everyone made it home safely to remember their time on Arkansas’s waters.”

Not only did these boating safety measures target drunk boat operators, but they also targeted irresponsible boating, improperly fitting life jackets, and other infractions.

“Out of the 3,659 vessels contacted, 534 contacts uncovered a violation,” Grant said. “In 346 of those cases, wardens were able to issue a warning as soon as the violation was rectified; the remaining 188 were severe enough to warrant a citation.”

During the more than month of perfect boating, Grant wants everyone to bear in mind that they should still abide by the rules in order to maintain the safety of Arkansas’s waterways.

“We want everyone to enjoy boating, angling and paddling in The Natural State, but we have to do it responsibly,” Grant said. “High-traffic times like holiday weekends are critical, but every time you’re on the water is a time to remember safe and courteous boating. We’re all out there to have fun, and winding up in jail or the hospital because of poor judgment isn’t very fun at all.”

A nationwide initiative called Operation Dry Water (ODW) aims to reduce drug- and alcohol-related maritime fatalities and injuries.