Water safety patrols increase next week

CRESCENT BAR — Marine Unit deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office will be out on county lakes and the Columbia River Next week as part of a campaign to reduce incidents of boats being operated by impaired drivers.

Operation Dry Water is a national enforcement and awareness campaign held each year around the July 4 weekend, according to a release from the GCSO. It’s focused on reducing the number of incidents and fatalities caused by people operating watercraft while under the influence of intoxicants.