After deadly lake tragedy, NC increases impaired boating patrols for Fourth of July

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina wildlife officers are increasing patrols on lakes and waterways ahead of the Fourth of July holiday as part of a nationwide effort to crack down on impaired boating.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Law Enforcement Division will participate in Operation Dry Water, a national campaign aimed at reducing boating under the influence through increased enforcement and public education during one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Officials say the campaign comes as boating fatalities continue to be linked to alcohol use, the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.

The agency is also remembering a tragedy that occurred last August on Shearon Harris Lake in Chatham County, where an alcohol-impaired boater struck a group of swimmers gathered near an anchored boat. Ten-year-old Brooklyn Carroll was killed, and an adult family friend suffered injuries that resulted in the amputation of a leg.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Sgt. Claude Smith, who investigated the case, said the incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired boating.

“This was a terrible situation, and these families will never fully recover from it,” Smith said. “Their lives have been permanently altered, as have the lives of those who witnessed the event, those who tried to help and the first responders who were confronted with an incredibly difficult scene.”

Smith said the tragedy was preventable.

“If individuals choose to drink, that is their decision, but they must ensure a sober, responsible adult is designated to operate the boat,” he said. “And if someone chooses to operate a vessel while impaired, our officers will take every necessary action to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring again.”

Following the crash, the Carroll family placed warning signs around Shearon Harris Lake and other North Carolina lakes in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.

Lt. Anna Barbosa, the Wildlife Commission’s law enforcement public information officer, said increased patrols are designed to keep holiday boaters safe.

“We want people to have a fun and safe boating experience and not suffer from the consequences of someone operating a vessel under the influence,” Barbosa said. “During busy summer holidays, we heighten our water patrol presence and share information with boaters about the dangers of impaired boating.”

According to the Wildlife Commission, 62 boating incidents have been reported in North Carolina so far this year, including nine fatal crashes. Last year, the state recorded 26 boating fatalities.

During the 2025 Operation Dry Water campaign, wildlife officers deployed 153 law enforcement officers statewide and removed 43 impaired boat operators from the water.

North Carolina law makes it illegal to operate a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or while appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs or other impairing substances.

Officials are reminding boaters to designate a sober operator, always wear a life jacket and boat responsibly throughout the holiday weekend.