As the Fourth of July nears, Virginia Conservation Police Officers are ramping up patrols for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign to stop boating under the influence. Four lives have already been lost on Virginia waters this year, with 13 injuries. In 2024, the effort led to three boating under the influence arrests and over 200 citations across the commonwealth. Boaters are urged to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, designate a sober operator, and stay alert.