Boaters warned to stay 'dry' on the water

OLD LYME, Conn. (WTNH) -- EnCon police officers who want to keep things dry on the water this summer.

"We're looking for any kind of erratic operation," said Jim Kane, an EnCon police officer. "Boating safety operations mostly."

They will also be doing random stops checking for personal flotation devices and any signs of boating under the influence. Officers say they hope to prevent an alarming trend of boats going out of control.

"In 2010 we had six boating fatalities and five of them included alcohol," said Susan Frechette from the DEEP.

DEEP, the US Coast Guard, State Police, Old Saybrook and Rocky Hill police will be joining forces for the national effort, coined Operation Dry Water.

"If you're boating under the influence this weekend we will find you and arrest you," warned Col. Kyle Overturf, from DEEP.

Boaters can expect these random stops in three areas of the state, on the lower Connecticut, on the lower Housatonic, and Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Connecticut.

"Do you find some violations in random searches," News 8's Tina Detelj asked.

"We do and a lot of people that transit this area aren't from the area so it's an educational process too about the wake zones," Kane replied.

Officers tell News 8 folks should also have a marine band radio on board in case they need to call for help for themselves or if they spot others who may be a danger on the water.

"Channel 16 is a emergency distress and hailing frequency," said Col. Joseph Vojvodich from the US Coast Guard. "That's something that's monitored 24/7."

By cracking down this week they hope to make the waters safer this summer.