Operation Dry Water
Clear Lake, IA-Boaters are flocking to their favorite rivers and lakes. During the summer months, Nick Thilges says he goes out on Clear Lake a couple times a week.
"There's a lot of fun stuff to do here, wake board, be with friends," said Thilges.
Thilges says safety is his number one priority. That means no alcohol is allowed.
"The lake isn't really a good place to drink," said Thilges.
Law officers we talked to wish everyone followed Thilges advice. Ben Bergman says all too often folks believe boating and drinking is a rite of passage. Bergman warns the mix can be dangerous.
"The reality is you come out here on waterways, so many other stressors affecting what that alcohol is doing to you," said Bergman.
The Iowa DNR officer says all of the elements can leave people even more vulnerable.
"It's not like drinking on the land it's totally different," said Bergman.
The DNR and agencies nationwide are getting ready to step up enforcement with something called 'Operation Dry Water'.
Bergman says a number of boating deaths are related to alcohol. He hopes he can use this campaign to not only help enforce the law but educate folks on the dangers of boating while intoxicated.
"We want safe waterways and this is one way we're going to have to go about it," said Bergman.
Thilges is also hoping other boaters follow the rules on the water.
