Indiana Conversation Officers put a stop to an underage drinking party near Lake Wawasee early Saturday morning.

According to Indiana Conservation Officers, a disturbance at a Lake Wawasee home was reported at approximately 2 a.m. June 9. The result was the arrest of 11 minors.

Officer Jerry Hoerdt and Cpl. Ashlee Jackson were on boat patrol at approximately 2 a.m. searching for impaired boat operators when they heard loud voices coming from across the lake. The officers observed a large gathering of individuals both in the water and on shore at 9890 Bayshore Dr., Syracuse. Officers witnessed several persons who appeared under the age of 21 consuming alcohol and swimming in deep water.

Concerned that the underage drinkers who were swimming may be a danger to themselves from drowning, the officers entered the property, which is located on the southwest corner of the lake.  Officers located several minors, both in the home and across the street in a separate living area, who had been drinking. There were numerous beer, wine and vodka bottles littered throughout the yard and the home. The identities of the 10 minor aged adults who were jailed are as follows;

James C. Wallin, 20, Carmel; Tommaso A. Verderame, 18, Greenwood; Melissa R. Sondhi, 19, Carmel;  Jarred E. Scott, 20, Noblesville; Grace A. Kennedy, 19, Indianapolis; Christopher P. Callahan, 19, Indianapolis; Ian B. Frey, 19, Indianapolis; Emily E. Eiteljorg, 19, Indianapolis, Carey S. Kunz, 19, Zionsville; and Samuel M. Amy, 19, Indianapolis. One juvenile was also among those arrested.

Officers want to remind the recreational users of the waterways that mixing the consumption of alcohol with boating and swimming can lead to potentially tragic outcomes.  Indiana is part of a national campaign entitled Operation Dry Water which takes place June 22-24 that encourages alcohol free recreational use by the public in and around the water.

You can learn more about Operation Dry Water by visiting www.operationdrywater.org and you can take the “pledge” to commit to alcohol free enjoyment of your water based fun and activities this summer.

As always Indiana Conservation Officers want all users of our lakes, rivers, and privately owned ponds to wear your life jacket whenever your near the water.