Louisiana agency to enforce drunk boating laws for July 4th weekend

(KLFY) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced it will be making a special effort this weekend to identify and cite those who operate boats in the state while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

LDWF Enforcement Division agents will take part in the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Operation Dry Water weekend from July 4-6.

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said LDWF agents will be out in full force during the Operation Dry Water weekend, patrolling state waterways for impaired boat operators.

“Our enforcement agents are fully prepared to protect our citizens as they enjoy time on the water during this busy boating weekend,” Bosworth said. “As the Fourth of July holiday draws in thousands of boaters to Louisiana waterways, it is our duty to work with our state and federal partners to keep impaired boaters off the water where they can seriously bring harm to their self or others.”

Nationwide, alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents, causing 20% of all deaths on the water. In Louisiana from 2020 to 2024, there were 96 recreational boating fatalities with alcohol being a factor in 21 of those fatalities or 22%, according to LDWF.

In Louisiana, LDWF agents arrested 25 boaters for DWI on the water for Operation Dry Water weekend in 2024, said Col. Stephen Clark, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division.

“We are proud to partner with NASBLA during this busy weekend on the water to help make the waterways safer for everyone involved,” Clark said. “We want everyone to enjoy the water this Fourth of July Weekend in a safe manner and that includes having a sober vessel operator.”

In Louisiana, a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road and includes jail time, fines and loss of driving and boat operating privileges. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

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