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Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated effort to promote sober boating and provide information on the dangers of boating while under the influence, will kick off in July.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will take part in the campaign July 2-4.

“Fourth of July weekend is historically one of the busiest boating weekends of the year in North Carolina. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the state’s waterways in an effort [to] reduce the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities,” said Lt. Forrest Orr with the Wildlife Commission. “By participating in the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign, we will be able to educate boaters on the dangers associated with boating while impaired. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, but if alcohol is involved, designate a sober operator to get everyone home safely.”

Officials say it is important to remember the dangers alcohol and other drugs can present when used while operating a boat.

Skills like peripheral vision and the ability to focus, judgment and rational decision-making, balance and equilibrium and coordination and reaction time are all necessary when operating a vehicle on the water. They’re all skills that can quickly and easily become impaired when under the influence.

As part of the campaign, wildlife officers also want to stress the importance of safe practices while on our state’s waterways.

“Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket is the best way to be prepared should you be involved in a boating incident,” said Orr. “Not wearing a life vest is a contributing factor in many fatal incidents, including drowning of people who know how to swim. Last year in North Carolina, 16 boaters lost their lives due to not wearing a life jacket.

In 2022, officials say 39 boating accidents have occurred on North Carolina waters. Ten have been fatal.

As boating at night increases during holiday weekends, boaters are urged to practice more caution and “be on high alert due to visibility. Officials say inland lighting rules are in effect and water skiing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and an hour prior to sunrise. Personal watercraft, officials say, are also prohibited on state waters between sunset and sunrise.

During the 2021 campaign, the state wildlife commission says 693 warnings and 440 citations were issued and 55 people were removed from the water for boating under the influence.

For more information on boating guidelines in North Carolina or to find a safe boating class near you, click here.