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Stay Safe This Fourth! CPW Cracks Down on Boating Under the Influence as Part of Operation Dry Water


Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will increase patrols and checkpoints over the Fourth of July weekend as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, targeting boating under the influence (BUI). Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time more severely on water, increasing the risk of accidents. CPW urges boaters to wear life jackets, stay sober, and prepare for sudden weather changes. Violations can result in fines, boat impoundment, and arrest. (Photo Courtesy of CPW)

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Enforces Sober Boating and Operation Dry Water

DENVER—Boaters heading out onto the water for the Fourth of July holiday weekend will see additional Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers enforcing boating under the influence (BUI) laws as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.

This enforcement operation is timed closely to July 4 each year to educate boaters on the dangers of boating under the influence and reduce the number of waterway accidents. Dangers include:

  • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, which can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion.
  • Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion are added factors in a boating environment. All of these intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.
  • Intoxication on board can cause injuries from slips, falls overboard and other dangerous accidents.

“Boating is a favorite pastime of Coloradans and visitors alike, but we want to make sure that everyone is enjoying their time on the water responsibly,” said Flatwater Criminal Investigator Brian Phillips. “Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boating deaths in the country, and it affects people faster on the water than it does on land. We encourage boaters to be boat smart, boat safe and boat sober.”

Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols and checkpoints. Penalties for boating under the influence include receiving fines, impounding your boat, potential jail time and losing boating privileges. Boaters with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above the .08 state limit will be arrested for BUI. 

In Colorado, boaters must also consider unpredictable weather risks while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions include strong wind gusts that can knock a paddleboarder or kayaker into the water, as well as cold water temperatures that persist year-round.

Boating and Water Safety:
Life jackets save lives. This year, the majority of water-related deaths occurred because people did not wear a life jacket. There have already been almost ten water-related fatalities in Colorado this year, and the outdoor summer season is just beginning. In 2024, CPW tracked more than 30 water-related fatalities.

CPW officers are actively writing tickets for boaters and paddlers who are not wearing life jackets. Tickets cost over $100. 

"Wearing a life jacket during a water emergency significantly boosts your survival odds,” said Boating Safety and Registrations Program Manager Grant Brown.

CPW advises the following boating safety tips before heading out onto the water.

  • Wear a life jacket​. 
  • Dress accordingly and protect your​self from the dangers of cold water shock.
  • Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
  • Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 
  • Heavy rain and wind can rapidly raise water levels without warning. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
  • Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident paddling in.
  • Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.

For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us or download the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Boating Handbook. 

Don’t own a life jacket? Read about CPW’s life-jacket loaner program, or visit one of the life jacket loaner stations on CPW properties listed below. 

Life jacket loaner stations
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area-4
Barr Lake State Park-1
Boyd Lake State Park-2
Chatfield State Park-2
Cherry Creek State Park-2
Crawford State Park -1
Dan Noble State Wildlife Area (Miramonte Reservoir) - 2
Eleven Mile State Park-2
Harvey Gap State Park-1
Highline Lake State Park - 2
James M. Robb Colorado River 
--Connected Lakes -1
--Corn Lake -1
--Fruita -1
John Martin Reservoir State Park - 2 
Lake Miramonte State Wildlife Area - 2 
Lake Pueblo State Park - 2
Lathrop State Park - 1
Mancos State Park - 1
Navajo State Park - 2
North Sterling State Park-3
Paonia State Park -1
Pearl Lake State Park - 1
Ridgway State Park-  2
Rifle Gap State Park -1
Spinney Mountain State Park -1
Stagecoach State Park-2
Steamboat Lake State Park -2
Sweitzer Lake State Park -1
Trinidad Lake State Park -2

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.