Ohio increases water patrols to help stop boating under influence of drugs or alcohol
6/28/2014COLUMBUS — Ohio authorities are increasing patrols of the state’s waterways to reduce accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says the increased patrols began Friday and will continue through the weekend.
Authorities say alcohol use while boating is the leading factor in boater deaths nationwide.
Ohio authorities contacted boaters on 456 vessels and made 10 arrests for boating under the influence during last year’s three-day effort. .
The department’s Division of Watercraft is responsible for boating safety, education and law enforcement on all state waterways.
That includes more than 605 inland lakes and 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers and other waterways. The state also patrols parts of the Ohio River and Lake Erie.