EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Right now, DNR officers are out on the Ohio, and will be through the night to make sure boaters are following the law before and after Wednesday's fireworks show.
A new Indiana State law went into effect July first that makes it illegal for boaters to drive under the influence of drugs.
The DNR is expecting dozens of boats for the fireworks show and they'll be watching for people breaking the law.
Before Wednesday night's big show, boaters are heading out on the river to enjoy a July 4th holiday off.
"We have lifejackets on the boat," said boater Amanda Benton. "We have a designated driver too as another precaution."
While they enjoy some sun and maybe some drinks, DNR officers will be on watch to make sure they're boating by the book.
"Like tonight, we're just trying to keep the river safe as possible," said conservation officer John Pace.
On July first, officers began enforcing a new state law making it illegal for boaters to be under the influence of drugs, after a woman and her grandson were killed by a boater who had smoked pot.
"We've had some recent high profile, if you will, boat accidents that have cost some people their lives and state legislators have stepped up," Pace said.
The DNR expects dozens of boats to fill the river downtown, and they're hoping this will be a safe Fourth of July.
"We expect a large crowd tonight, to see the fireworks and we're just going to try to keep people from getting too close to the fireworks barge, and just show people that we're out there," Pace said.
DNR says it will be out on the river through the night.
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