( MSCNEWS )--A nationwide initiative to crack down on boating under the influence comes to Kansas, with “Operation Dry Water” planned to be held Friday through Sunday.

Kansas Boating Law Administrator Major Dan Hesket says boaters this weekend shouldn't be surprised to notice extra Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism officers overseeing the state's recreational waterways.  The weekend will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests, life jacket checks and boater education.        

Boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the limit of .08 can expect to be arrested or face other penalties, including fines, jail and the loss of boating privileges.

Last year, “Operation Dry Water” led to eight arrests statewide for Boating Under the Influence offenses.

According to U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2012, alcohol is the primary contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Intoxicated boaters run a significantly increased risk of being involved in a fatal boating accident.

During calendar year 2012, Kansas recorded 27 boat accidents, of which two resulted in a fatality, 12 resulted in injuries, and 13 involved only property damage. Two people were killed, 13 were injured and there was an estimated $112,321 in property damages.       

Operation Dry Water 2013 is a joint program of KDWPT, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, visitwww.operationdrywater.org. Information about Kansas boating regulations, registration, education, and requirements is at www.ksoutdoors.com – click on Boating.