St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies throughout Minnesota for a statewide crackdown on drunk boaters.

The enforcement campaign, which runs through Sunday, is part of a national effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related boating accidents and fatalities called “Operation Dry Water.” The participating agencies will be conducting additional water patrols to check for intoxicated boat operators.

The DNR says there were 16 boating-related fatalities in Minnesota last year and alcohol was a contributing factor in seven of the deaths. On average, more than one-third of boating fatalities involve alcohol.

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