Sheriff Says DWI and BWI Enforcement Will Be Strong for Fourth of July Weekend

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol J. Toulon Jr. held a press conference at Coast Guard Station Shinnecock in Hampton Bays on Tuesday afternoon to discuss DWI and boating while intoxicated enforcement for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

Toulon said area police agencies and the Coast Guard will increase BWI enforcement this year, as he noted that “boating while impaired is equally dangerous, but historically harder to enforce ” than driving under the influence.

Toulon said that the enforcement efforts will feature more checkpoints conducted by the department’s Marine Bureau and the East End Marine Task Force. He also said that there will be more enforcement on the roads as well.

“We will be enhancing patrols throughout Suffolk County, from the Hamptons to Huntington, on both roadways and waterways,” Toulon said. “We have already increased our DWI enforcement efforts this year, making 71 arrests so far, and we will continue to crack down on impaired driving, especially during the high-risk summer months.”

At the press conference, Coast Guard Station Shinnecock Commanding Officer Christopher Skala talked about the importance of boating safety practices for those on the water this weekend, including wearing life jackets and having the proper fire safety gear. Regarding BWI incidents, Skala said that “just like driving a vehicle, operating a vessel under the influence is inherently dangerous for yourself and other boaters.”

Additionally, Allen Bode, chief assistant district attorney from District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office, encouraged people to use rideshare apps if they plan on drinking. Bode said that with the amount of rideshare apps and services available, “there’s no excuse in this day and age not to preplan before you party.”