DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio is stepping up its boating patrols with a focus on impaired boaters after tying for third nationally in alcohol-related boating accidents last year.

The Dayton Daily News ( http://bit.ly/O3iefA ) reports there were 18 alcohol-related accidents in Ohio last year. Alcohol was a factor in five boating deaths and 21 injuries in Ohio last year.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Watercraft is joining units throughout the nation this weekend in an effort to increase or concentrate patrols in problem areas to watch for impaired boating.

The U.S. Coast Guard says Ohio tied with Illinois and trailed only Florida and Wisconsin last year. The Coast Guard says alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.