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Suffolk County officials announce temporary 5 mph speed zones for boaters over holiday weekend

NEW YORK -- Boaters are being urged to practice safety during the holiday weekend and throughout the summer.

Suffolk County officials announced temporary 5 mph speed zones for boaters that will be enforced through July 4. Patrols will also be on the watch for intoxicated boaters.

Brianna's Law requires all boat operators to complete a state-approved safety course by the year 2025. The law was named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boat crash in 2005. Her mother urges safety.

"Please don't drink or be under the influence of drugs while you're navigating a boat," Gina Lieneck said. "People don't understand a boat is just as deadly as a car."

As many as 1,000 boats are expected in the water off Huntington for the Fourth of July.

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