Cops plan crackdown on drunken boating

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says its officers will be focusing on stopping drunken boaters over the Labor Day weekend.

The department says officers will heavily patrol the state's lakes and rivers Friday through.

In addition to targeting drunken boaters, the department plans to make sure boaters are using proper safety gear, like lifejackets. Conservation police patrolling roadways around ales also plan to be on the lookout for drunk drivers.

The state gave the a $150,000 state grant to help stop drunken driving and boating.

Last Labor Day weekend state conservation officers arrested 33 suspected drunken boaters and nine people suspected of driving drunk.