Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to raise awareness about boating under the influence of alcohol, begins its season in earnest this coming weekend. 

According to its website, "The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water."

Operation Dry Water functions year round, but is choosing the weekend of June 26-28 as a heightened awareness and enforcement period because of its proximity to the 4th of July holiday, which takes place over a weekend this year. The 4th of July is unfortunately known an especially deadly weekend due to high use of alcohol while boating.

For more information, visit ODW's website or their Twitter account.