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Drunken Boating Arrests Down In Minnesota

ST. PAUL , Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports a drop in drunken boating arrests around the state, and the weather is a factor.

Thanks to the late spring and heavy rains, the agency says fewer boaters are on the water.

But DNR conservation officers and water patrol deputies also report seeing more boaters with designated sober operators.

So far this year, 10 people have been arrested for boating while intoxicated on Minnesota waters. That compares with more than 20 arrests this time last year.

One of the three boating fatalities in 2014 was alcohol related.

The DNR, sheriff's offices and federal agencies plan to step up patrols for impaired boaters this weekend.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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