Indiana Agency Plans Crackdowns on Boating DUI

Indiana Conservation Officers will be out on the water Friday through Sunday looking for people operating boats under the influence of alcohol.

DNR Division of Law Enforcement Lt. Bill Browne says the agency wants to make sure everyone has a great time boating, and being sober and safe are keys to that. The department says alcohol was a contributing factor in 63 of 75 boating accidents in Indiana last year, and in 60 of 64 boating accidents in 2010.

Indiana Conservation Officers arrested 178 people in 2011 for boating while intoxicated and 129 in 2010.

The department is taking part in the Operation Dry Water national campaign to heighten awareness of dangers related to boating while intoxicated.