WATERBORO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Members of the Maine Warden Service were out in force Saturday as part of Operation Dry Water.

It's a national effort to keep boating and alcohol separate.

Wardens conducted safety and sobriety checks to many boaters on Little Ossipee Pond in Waterboro.

They say if you're out on the water, be prepared to be checked. And if you're found to be intoxicated, be prepared to be arrested.

Mike Joy is on the Maine Warden Service's Dive Team. "Over half of what we do is directly related to boating," he explains, "and a lot of times there is some sort of O.U.I. component to the cause of the accident."

Boaters NEWS CENTER spoke with appreciate their efforts. "I think water and drinking in general does not mix," says Sue Bales. Bales worries that intoxicated boaters might not be able to swim if they're knocked out of the boat.

The Warden Service hopes doing this patrol early in the year keeps people thinking about safe, sober boating for the entire season.

NEWS CENTER