Several July 4th safety campaigns in place on lakes, roads

A number of safety campaigns will be in place for the July Fourth holiday weekend.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens will be increasing patrols across state waterways as part of "Operation Dry Water," a nationwide crackdown on boating under the influence.

The initiative targets impaired boating, which continues to be a leading factor in recreational boating deaths.

Kentucky officials say game wardens will be actively monitoring for signs of impairment from alcohol, drugs, and certain medications. Officers remind boaters that sun, wind, and motion can intensify the effects of alcohol and contribute to dangerous conditions on the water.

In 2024, more than 7,000 officers from nearly 500 local, state, and federal agencies made nearly 600 BUI arrests and issued over 43,000 citations and warnings.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, headquartered in Lexington.

At the same time, the National Safe Boating Council renews its "Wear It Pledge" campaign, reminding boaters to always wear a life jacket while operating watercraft. They say 87% of reported drownings occur when the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket. 

On America's highways, local law enforcement is supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving" awareness campaign. They remind drivers that even a small blood alcohol concentration of .02 can affect someone’s ability to perform two tasks at one time – and that affects your ability to drive safely.

Additionally, the National Safety Council urges people to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. They say that every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. 

While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries.

Fireworks also start more than 31,000 fires each year.


(Photo Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife)