Warwick to hold boating safety conference ahead of Aquapalooza

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Warwick officials and advocates for preventing drunk boating will meet Wednesday ahead of Aquapalooza.

City leaders and the Rhode Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving will speak on boating safety at the Aspray Boat House.

Hundreds of boaters gather in Potters Cove at Prudence Island for Aquapalooza on the last Saturday in July each year.

Several police agencies are sent to keep an eye on the annual party on the water.

“It’s a completely unfunded liability,” Mike Healey, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, told ABC 6 News in 2021.

Authorities said boats have sank and people have been injured while boating irresponsibly.

Officials reminded boaters ahead of the weekend festivities that drinking and boating is just as serious as drinking and driving.