State police, game wardens urge safe boating over the 4th
June 30, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
State game wardens do a boat check on Lake Champlain. Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo by Joshua Morse
Vermont State Police and the Vermont Warden Service want to remind Vermonters headed out onto the water to boat safely this Fourth of July weekend, and that means staying sober and wearing a life jacket.
Recent U.S. Coast Guard data show that alcohol use remains the primary known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and that 85% of the people who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing a life jacket.
State and local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard by participating in Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement effort Friday-Sunday, July 3-5.
Operation Dry Water is a national campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.
“The July Fourth holiday means time on the water for boaters in Vermont and across the United States. With an increased public presence on the water, the data show an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time,” said Vermont State Game Warden Lieutenant Dustin Circe. “Boating while under the influence can have serious consequences and endanger all involved.”
Vermont State Police Boating Law Administrator Al Johnson said that wearing a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the easiest steps boaters can take to improve safety on the water. “New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange PFDs of the past,” Johnson said. “There are also innovative options such as inflatable life jackets that improve mobility and flexibility for activities including boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and the new styles are much cooler in the warmer weather.”
State troopers and wardens encourage Vermonters to enjoy the holiday weekend on the water. “While you’re out there, take pictures, make memories, and for your safety, boat sober and wear your life jacket,” they said in their announcement.