It's a good weekend to take to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to celebrate, but officials are warning boaters to watch their alcohol consumption to ensure a safe outing.

Sgt. Art Windemuth, spokesman for state Natural Resources Police, the agency that patrols the waterways, said the laws regarding alcohol for the water are identical to those for the road, as far as the operator is concerned.

For a blood-alcohol level of .07 to .08 percent, a person can be arrested for operating while impaired, and for a level of .08 percent and higher, a person can be arrested for operating under the influence.

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