FLORENCE, WI -- Twenty-seven people died in recreational boating accidents last year in Michigan.  That's according to a report from the U.S. Coast Guard.

It's something the Department of Natural Resources is taking into consideration this holiday weekend.

D.N.R. officers will be patrolling the water to keep boaters and residents safe.

Given the chilly start to the summer, the D.N.R. is expecting a big turnout on the water.  They're reminding residents to be aware of others in the water, always have enough life jackets, and to make sure there is a sober driver.

"We're not out to ruin anybody's holiday weekend; we're out there to make sure people are operating safely, and if there's somebody that's not operating safely or that's operating while they're intoxicated, we're going to remove them from the water," says DNR Conservation Warden Kelly Crotty.  "We'd rather take them off the water and possible ruin their day than have an accident on the water."

She adds that keeping everyone safe is the D.N.R.'s number one priority.