As the Fourth of July approaches, Oakland County boaters can expect to see an increase in the presence of law enforcement on the lakes. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit will ramp up their patrols, part of a nationwide push known as "Operation Dry Water", to crack down on boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Detroit News reports that the aim of the operation is to ensure safety over the holiday period from July 4-6.

"No matter whether you’re behind the wheel of a car or operating a boat, don’t drink alcohol and drive," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard in a statement obtained by The Detroit News. With the county being home to 83,000 registered boats and 450 navigable lakes, the marine unit's increased vigilance will target safety and alcohol regulations enforcement across a broad waterway network.

According to WXYZ, the Sheriff's Office Marine Unit includes a formidable fleet of 23 patrol boats, three rapid-response jump boats, one hovercraft, and other specialized vehicles. In addition to their marine patrols, the Sheriff's Office has contracts with 12 communities to patrol 19 lakes, ensuring coverage over many of the recreational hotspots in the region.

The program, launched in 2009, is a collaboration between the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local, state, and federal law enforcement. Sheriff Bouchard underscored the gravity of the holiday’s safety in a statement given to WHMI, appealing to the public's sense of responsibility. "We want everyone to enjoy the many things that make Oakland County such an attractive destination, but we want the holiday to be a safe one," he urged residents and visitors.

The success of Operation Dry Water is reflected in last year's statistics, shared by WHMI, which include the arrests of 717 individuals for boating under the influence, over 10,088 citations, and 32,734 warnings for safety violations, demonstrating a significant reach of the initiative across local, state, and federal efforts. The operation emphasizes that it is unlawful to operate any boat while impaired, which is a factor known to increase the risk of fatal incidents on the water. For the upcoming holiday, Oakland County's meticulous preparation signals their commitment to turning the tide against impaired boating and ensuring safety for all who flock to its lakes.