Police Step Up Boat Patrols for July 4th Weekend

The Alabama Marine Police say the busiest part of the summer water recreation season is just beginning and there have been at least eleven deaths on the state’s lake system. That already equals the number of boating fatalities recorded in 2007.

The agency said officers will be out in force over the 4th of July holiday weekend keep check on proper licensing, underaged drivers, safety precautions such as life jackets and alcohol abuse.

In Alabama, the first offense for boating-under-the-influence can be anywhere from 600 to two thousand dollars, and up to one year in jail.