New Mexico State Parks join Operation Dry Water to increase awareness of the dangers associated with boating under the influence

Santa Fe, NM – In an effort to educate recreational boaters nationwide about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the New Mexico State Parks (State Parks) Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) will be participating in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to decrease the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.

Operation Dry Water weekend, July 1-3, is the national weekend dedicated to amplified recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated enforcement surrounding boating under the influence. Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating incidents.1 The use of both legal and illegal drugs also impairs judgment and reaction time and creates dangerous circumstances while on the water.
1 2021