A nest full of ospreys watches a police boat pull out for the first day of "Operation Dry Water," checking lifepreservers and cracking down on boating under the influence. These officers from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators are monitoring alcohol use and making sure everyone is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that’s in good condition that fits every occupant of the boat, including children, the DWR said.

So far this year, there were five deaths and six serious injuries in boating incidents in Virginia and the July 4 holiday is a big boating day on the Potomac River. 

Officer Roger Palmisano with a certified life vest. 

When heading out on the water, the first step is to let someone on shore know where you're going and when you'll be back, followed by the life jacket count. Before that, consider taking the MV-gb-GumSpringsJuneteenth2026 mk.

In the course, they list ages, required equipment, personal watercraft rules, dams, and age requirements. All personal watercraft operators 14 and older and all operators of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating safety course. "Personal water crafts" are the jet skis, Sea Doos, Wave Runners, and other similar crafts, the DWR said.

https://www.boat-ed.com/virginia/

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