Long Island officials ramp up efforts to stop unsafe boaters

EAST ISLIP (WABC) -- The July 4th weekend kicks off the busiest time of the year for boating in the Tri-state area, and that means a dramatic spike in boat-related accidents.

The Coast Guard and the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau have announced increased efforts to catch drunk boaters off Long Island and Fire Island.

The Coast Guard says 16 percent of boating accidents are caused by intoxicated boaters.

So authorities will be patrolling the waters this weekend as closely as they patrol the roads.

"The laws on intoxication are exactly the same for those operating the motor vehicle. You will be arrested, you will be processed and you will go to jail," said Harbor Police Chief Alan Loeffler.

This weekend especially, Marine police will be on heightened patrol in the Great South Bay.

If you want to drink - do like you would on the roads - have a designated driver.

Just make sure when you get back to shore, "Don't get off the boat, load the boat onto your dock and then get in your car," said Richard Mallow of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Police will also be stopping boats for safety inspections. They'll make sure you have a life vest for every single person on your boat, that you have at least one fire extinguisher and that your boat isn't overcrowded.

"In addition they will be out each and every week as the summer progresses," said Anthony Senft of the Town of Islip.

It's not that people don't want you to enjoy yourself. They just want you to be careful, especially when other people's lives are on the line.

Like Gina Lieneck, whose 11 year old daughter was killed several years ago in a boating accident.

The operator of the other boat that smashed into them was suspected of being under the influence.

"We know you want to have a good time, but it's not a good time for the family that loses somebody," Lieneck said.

If you could like to take a free boating safety course, call 631-854-8382.