Venice Police Department along with Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Coast Guard Southeast, Sarasota Police Department and other neighboring law enforcement partners conducted Operation Dry Water July 4-6 to encourage safe and sober boating. During #OperationDryWater, VPD made contact with 159 boaters and 89 vessels. Officers issued 11 boat safety warnings, 4 boating citations and made 3 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests. Thank you to our community for celebrating safely and responsibly. Whether it’s a holiday weekend or any other weekend, remember it is illegal and dangerous to operate a boat under the influence. Always designate a sober operator, have properly fitting life vests for everyone on board, and have a valid boat registration.