Messing about in boats could land you in deep water this Cup Match weekend if you get caught driving drunk.

Marine police have stepped up their patrols for the holiday period and they are warning first-time offenders caught drink-boating that they face a maximum of a year in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Boaters are subject to the same laws as drivers -- they must have less than 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

Sgt. Gary Benning warned: "We don't want to spoil anybody's fun but if we see anyone drawing attention to themselves we will catch them and they will be dealt with.'' He said: "The main problem we have is people travelling at excessive speed close to the shore line which is dangerous for swimmers.'' "There is a five knot/no wake zone within 100 metres of the shoreline. We also have a problem with jet skiers. We try to make them aware that we don't pick on them but they draw attention to themselves by skiing at speed near the shore.

"It's very dangerous and last year a boater was killed in a collision with a jet skier.'' Sgt Benning warned boaters to be sure they obey the rules when they set out.

He said: "Casual boaters often forget to take the necessary equipment such as life jackets or they don't know where they've put it when an emergency happens.'' "Sometimes their flares have expired when they come to use them.'' Different rules govern what you should take depending whether you are boating inshore or outshore.

Inshore is roughly defined as the area between Commissioner's Point and Spanish Point as well as a few listed harbours and bays.

Outshore applies to most other areas and boaters must take a VHF radio with them.

Sgt Benning said: "Many people take a cell phone with them and think that will do but radios are better as they can be picked up by Harbour Radio who can identify exactly where you are if you get lost.'' Boaters can a get free leaflets and advice from The Department of Marine and Ports Services on inshore/outshore areas and boating safety.

Middle-aged motorists are the biggest menace for breaking the drink/drive laws says Road Safety Officer Roxanne Christopher.

Drink warning for boaters She said 31-40-years-olds made up the biggest proportion of those nabbed for drunk driving, closely followed by those in the 41-50 year-old-age bracket.

Ms Christopher appealed for drivers of all ages not to let Cup Match festivities make them forget to steer clear of the booze.

She said: "We're not telling people not to drink. We just want them to organise with friends so there's a designated driver who is staying alcohol-free.

"I don't know why middle-aged people are doing so much drink driving. They really should have seen enough tragic loss of life through this to know a bit better.'' She reminded people of the Drink Drive Programme which allows badge-wearing designated drivers to claim two free alcohol-free drinks at participating venues.

"You can get the badges from any venue involved in the Drink Drive Programme and we'd like to remind people that this programme runs throughout the year, not just during festive periods.''