Long Island residents complaining of booze on boats are hoping a new law will help curb drinking and driving on the water.

A new state law, which takes effect Sunday, is stiffening the penalties for drunken boating. Officials say a driver convicted for a first offense could face a year behind bars in addition to increased fines. State Senator John Flanagan says there will no longer be a qualitative difference between driving a car or a boat while under the influence.

Police say they hope the new law will act as a deterrent. They say they can?t be everywhere on the water, but assure there will be sobriety checkpoints.