COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ Ohio's boating officers will be kicking off summer by taking part in boating and drinking crackdown this coming weekend.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says the goal is to cut down on the number of accidents related to boating under the influence.

State watercraft officers are taking part in the operation that will see an increase patrols, breathalyzer tests and checkpoints.

Ohio's watercraft division says drinking alcohol while boating is the leading factor in boater deaths nationwide.

Last year's weekend blitz across Ohio saw state officers make three arrests for boating under the influence.