Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Will Increase On-the-Water Patrols Over the Fourth of July Weekend

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

As boating traffic increases over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office will increase on-the-water patrols and enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence (BUI).

From July 3–5, deputies will take part in the initiative in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies in all 56 U.S. states, trusts and territories, representing local, state and federal agencies.

Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.2 As part of Operation Dry Water, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office will focus on public education, compliance checks, and enforcement efforts designed to identify and remove impaired vessel operators from the water.

Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence, including targeted patrols and sobriety checks in high-traffic areas. "The Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the water," said Lieutenant Michael Van Offeren. "Boating under the influence is completely preventable, and it puts everyone at risk. Our officers will be actively enforcing BUI laws to help ensure a safe holiday weekend for all waterway users."

Regardless of whether you are operating a vessel or riding as a passenger, alcohol- or drug-impaired boating increases the risk of incidents, injuries, and fatalities.3 Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal and can result in arrest, fines, and other legal consequences, as well as serious or fatal injuries.

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office urges boaters to always boat sober and utilize a life jacket when on or near water.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round national initiative dedicated to reducing alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities through education and enforcement.

Since the campaign’s launch in 2009, law enforcement officers nationwide have removed 7,954 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways and contacted more than 3.3 million boaters during the annual three-day enforcement period, reinforcing the lifesaving message that impaired boating is both illegal and dangerous.

Visit operationdrywater.org for more information about boating under the influence.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.