Drinking and driving a boat are never a good idea, especially
this summer, as the state's toughest boating under the influence
law goes into effect.  The law, which goes into effect July
28th, makes a BUI a gross misdemeanor, instead of a misdemeanor.
The change in classification carries more jail time and heftier
fines.  If convicted, you could spend more than a year in jail.
The law also requires boaters suspicious of driving under the
influence to take a breathalyzer test on the spot.  If a boater
refuse, they may be issued a $1,000 fine. A blood alcohol level
over .08 is considered legally drunk.  "I think it's a good
idea," said Deputy Travis Pendell.  "We don't have a lot of
boating collisions in Spokane county but the ones we do there's
alcohol involved and so if we can cut down on the number of
alcohol involved accidents we are saving lives," he added.  On
Sunday, several Spokane County Sheriff's deputies patrolled
Newman and Liberty Lake to make sure people have life jackets
and play safe on the wat