Marine Enforcement deputies will conduct a boating safety awareness campaign this holiday weekend. The Labor Day weekend detail will be conducted on the waterways patrolled by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2009 through until about 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2009.

According to Sergeant Dwayne Somers, supervisor of the Marine Enforcement Unit, "The operation's objective is to patrol in a proactive manner to promote boating safety; protect the community and environment from the great volume of vessel traffic; and to enforce state, federal and local laws."

As part of the operation, deputies will be on the lookout for impaired boaters or anyone operating a vessel in reckless manner.

During this operation all vessels stopped will undergo a safety equipment inspection in which deputies will check for a sufficient number of life jackets, a flotation cushion that can be thrown, a sound making device such as a whistle or horn and a working fire extinguisher.

Also, as a part of this campaign deputies will conduct "Operation Kid Float," in which t-shirts will be handed out to children wearing their life vests.

For additional information or for information regarding media ride-alongs with members of the Marine Enforcement Unit please contact the Public Information Office at (727) 582-6221.