The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is once again participating in Operation Dry Water (ODW), a year-round boating under the influence (BUI) and enforcement campaign. ODW’s heightened awareness and enforcement annually takes place around the July 4th holiday, and this year is July 3-5 (Friday-Sunday).
Boaters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water throughout the July 4th weekend.
Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.
Over the 2025 July 4th holiday, there was one fatality in the state that occurred on Center Hill Lake. TWRA game wardens made 24 BUI arrests during the three days.
