"Operation Dry Water" warns boaters to be safe on the water

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (WABC) -- With the Fourth of July coming up, lots of people will be on their boats. The bay constable says you better leave the six pack behind, or you might wind up seeing a breathalyzer.

With 110,000 registered boats in the Long Island area, Tom Birmingham will have plenty of company hitting the water this summer, but there is a warning to all boaters.

"Our crew of bay constables will be increasing BWI, boating while intoxicated patrols starting (Friday)," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.

It's part of the national initiative called dry water. Just this month, 59-year-old Joseph Leon was arrested for BWI in the Great South Bay. Now, the Town of Hempstead bay constables will be out in full force, looking for anyone who may be drinking and driving a boat.

"Obviously if he's speeding in a no-wake zone, that's very common. Or if he's getting too close to the marsh or land, there's obviously tell-tale signs that something is amiss," says Chris Squeri of the New York Marine Trade Association.

All bay constable boats will have a breathalyzer on board to test boaters on the spot. Squeri has seen what can happen when boating and drinking turn deadly.

"Having a 4 -year-old son, and knowing that I've seen stories and the pictures of kids dying on the water due to unfortunate accidents that could have been prevented, that hits home," adds Squeri.

Like the deadly accident last August, when a man from Baldwin was arrested after police say the driver was drunk.

"When you're not expecting it, you say, 'oh, that never happens, that's just a story you hear about', and it's the one time you decide to be a bit more lax, and that's when something's going to happen," says boater Tom Birmingham.

If you get a BWI, not only do you have legal fees, but you could lose your licenses, and even spend time in jail. The bay constable tells Eyewitness News that it's just not worth it.