Island County Sheriff’s Office is asking boaters to help keep safe by not consuming alcohol or marijuana while out on the water — especially when operating a boat.

As part of a nationally coordinated effort, Operation Dry Water, state and local law enforcement agencies will be conducting boating-under-the-influence emphasis patrols on waterways across Washington from July 5-7.

“Operating a boat while under the influence puts everyone on the water at risk,” Island County Deputy Christian Hiatt said.

“Factors such as wind, sun, noise and a boat’s rocking movement amplify the effects of alcohol and drugs. Balance, vision, reaction time and decision-making skills decrease and the likelihood of an accident increases.”

“The Island County Sheriff’s Office goal — and the goal of Operation Dry Water — is to educate boaters about the laws regarding boating under the influence and the dangers of boating while drunk or high,” Hiatt said.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating under the influence is the leading known contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents.

In Washington state, it is illegal to use any substance that impairs a person’s ability to operate a boat.

Refusing to submit to a test is a civil infraction with a maximum fine of $2,050. The penalty for operating a boat under the influence is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail.