Oakland County, MI — As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, law enforcement across Michigan—especially in Oakland County, home to nearly 450 lakes—is stepping up patrols on the water to prevent reckless and impaired boating.
The annual safety initiative, Operation Dry Water, runs from July 4 to July 6 and aims to crack down on boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs.
“We’re looking for people doing reckless things, making poor choices, and trying to prevent accidents,” said Lieutenant Brian Burwell of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
What Is Operation Dry Water?
Launched in 2009, the nationwide campaign targets impaired boating—a leading cause of preventable water accidents. In 2024 alone:
- 584 people were arrested
- More than 43,000 citations were issued
Deputies will patrol lakes, marinas, and busy boating routes, focusing on education and enforcement.
“Some people are going to get tickets, some might end up arrested, but we always try to educate people on safe behavior,” Lt. Burwell added.
Misinformation and Safety Concerns
Lt. Burwell shared a recent case where a man, unaware of the rules, drove a jet ski full speed through a designated swim area.
“He had no idea what he was doing was wrong,” said Burwell. “He was misinformed.”
Education remains a key element of the campaign, with law enforcement emphasizing:
- Wearing properly fitted lifejackets
- Staying in designated swim zones
- Keeping boats fueled and equipment ready
- Taking a boater safety course
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“It’s Not About Tickets — It’s About Safety”
Burwell addressed public perception that patrols are revenue-focused:
“You always hear people say, ‘They’re just trying to meet their quota.’ That’s not true. This is about keeping people safe.”
Residents can sign up for boater safety courses through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or visit local community pages for more safety resources.
Have you or someone you know ever witnessed reckless behavior on the lake? Share your experience or tips in the comments to help keep your community safe this summer.
For more local safety updates and holiday alerts, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
