The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters to be safe over the three-day Labor Day weekend.

Drinking and driving a boat while intoxicated is illegal, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Both the Coast Guard and the state enforce Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws and violators face fines, losing their operator privileges, and jail time. The Coast Guard and state law enforcement agencies have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning they can both enforce BUI laws.
"If we could communicate three short messages, they would be: wear your life jacket; give a safety briefing to those boating with you; and be totally aware at all times of conditions around you," said Kent Richards, the 14th Coast Guard District’s recreational boating specialist.
Boaters are encouraged to file " float plan" that lets someone on land know where they are going, what time they are expected to return and what kind of vessel they are using.
The Coast Guard offers these reminders:
•Be aware of weather and water conditions
*Never boat or paddle alone;
* Be cautious–do not exceed your ability to handle your vessel;
* Be constantly aware of other vessels in the immediate area.
*Carry a VHF marine radio.
For additional boating safety tips, boaters can access the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Web site at: http://uscgaux.org/ or www.uscgboating.org.