Authorities attempt to crack down on drunken boaters

So far in 2011 there have been 10 water-related fatalities in Maryland.

Starting this weekend, there's a new push to cut down on alcohol-related accidents on the water.

Avrahom Sauer of Mt. Washington takes his boys out from a marina in Middle River several times a week, just like his father took him. “There's nothing more relaxing than being out here,” he said, adding that he’s already talked to his sons about drinking and boating.

“Safety has to be first. Because there is no such thing as going out and having fun if somebody's going to get injured,” he said.

But that's exactly what state and even federal officials say happens too often. That’s why Operation Dry Water will begin this weekend.

“Maryland is blessed to have such beautiful waterways to enjoy, but you do have to exercise caution,” said Sgt. Art Windemuth, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

Natural Resources Police will be out in force -- targeting areas where accidents have happened before. It's a nation-wide effort; even the Coast Guard is involved. Additional crews will be on the water, starting this weekend -- looking for drunken boaters.

“We're looking for a number of things, safety violations but of course if we happen to suspect that the operator is under the influence, we'll take further action,” said Jon Andrechik of the US Coast Guard.

Avrahom Sauer says he saw several police vessels in the Middle River area, on his outing Friday. He welcomes Operation Dry Water, but he says a serving of common sense should be enough to keep boaters safe.

“The heat, the sun, reflection off the water, and just the sheer amount of energy you need when you're swimming out there on the water, I would hope that people would cut back a little bit,” he said.

The same alcohol limits that you hear about regarding drunk driving also apply on the water; if you're caught operating a boat with a blood alcohol level above .08, you could face on year in prison and a $1000.00 fine.