This weekend, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly Department of Game and Inland Fisheries), in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend.

The July 4 holiday means time on the water for boaters across the United States. With the increase in boater activity on the water, there is also an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time.

DWR’s Conservation Police Officers will be on heightened alert for boat operators that are under the influence.

Beginning Friday and continuing through the holiday weekend, CPOs will also be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers.

Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water, a DWR release stat...