Boaters on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario this weekend might see an increased marine law enforcement presence as federal, state and local agencies participate in Operation Dry Water, scheduled for this weekend.

Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement "surge" during the last weekend of June, is aimed at boating under the influence, a leading contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

"Drink for drink, a boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a driver," said Frank Jennings Jr., recreational boating safety program manager for the Ninth Coast Guard District, based in Cleveland.

"Alcohol is extremely hazardous on the water because the marine environment –- motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray -- accelerates a drinker’s impairment," Jennings said. "These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator’s coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol."

Alcohol can also cause an inner ear disturbance, which can make it impossible for a person who falls in the water to distinguish up from down.

More than 17 percent of boating fatalities result from alcohol use, according to the Coast Guard. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is against federal and most state laws. Boaters found to be boating under the influence could have their voyage terminated and vessel impounded. Additional penalties may include arrest, fines, and revocation of operator privileges.

The Coast Guard suggests that boaters who plan to make alcohol part of the day's entertainment should consume alcohol ashore at the dock, in a picnic area, at a boating club, or in a backyard, choosing a location that allows sufficient time to sober up before getting back into a car or boat.

For more information, visit the Operation Dry Water website at www.operationdrywater.org.