FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As you get ready for your weekend, here are some sobering numbers. In 2010, there were 330 alcohol related boating accidents. 126 people were killed and nearly 300 others hurt. It's why Operation Dry Water is underway in southwest Florida this weekend.

Alcohol is the leading factor in boating deaths. It's why this weekend law enforcement is going to be out making sure you aren't drinking and boating. They're also going to make sure you have all your safety equipment aboard, like life jackets for each person on your boat. It's all part of keeping the waters of southwest Florida safe.

Before you cast off this weekend, officers are reminding you not to drink and boat. Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Kerner with the U.S. Coast Guard, is just one of hundreds of law enforcement officers around the state of Florida cracking down on boating under the influence.

The Coast Guard isn't trying to prohibit going out and having fun but we want everybody to be careful and use good judgement," said Kerner.

It's all part of Operation Dry Water. Nearly one in five boating deaths is because someone is drinking and boating. Locally, every available officer will be covering over 5,000 square miles of water ways in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties to make sure you stay safe. Drinking and boating is also a concern for passengers. Intoxicated riders can easily slip and fall overboard.

One of the things law enforcement wants to remind you on the water is that your boat is like a car. But on the water there is no stop signs, theres no traffic lights, there are no lane markers to guide you. There are also no breaks to stop your boat.

"If you've had a couple of drinks, don't drive. Go sit on boat at anchor. Keep it tied up and wait until the effects of the alcohol wear off," said Kerner.

Alcohol isn't the only thing officers will be looking for. They'll be searching for drugs and making sure you have all the needed safety equipment on board.

"To help educate boaters and the boating public about what the dangers are of boating under the influence and how to avoid it," said Kerner.

If you are going to hit the water this weekend, you need to have a life jacket for everyone on board. If you're caught drinking and boating and you're over the legal limit of .08, you will go to jail.