Asotin County Sheriff's Office to Conduct Emphasis Patrols on Snake River Over Fourth of July Weekend to Stop Boating Under the Influence

CLARKSTON - In an effort to encourage safe and sober boating practices, the Asotin County Sheriff's Office will be on the Snake River conducting emphasis patrols this Fourth of July Weekend.

From July 2-4, 2022, the ACSO will participate in the 'Operation Dry Water,' a heightened awareness and enforcement campaign in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Over the weekend, the ACSO will work to increase public awareness on the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers.

"The tragedies that happen on our waterways because individuals choose to boat while impaired are preventable," said Sgt. Cory Kingsbury. "As law enforcement, it is our job to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our recreational boaters and paddlers. That is why the Asotin County Sheriff's Office is joining all 56 U.S. states and territories to do our part in keeping boaters safe and preventing incidents, deaths and injuries caused by boating under the influence."

The Asotin County Sheriff's Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water.