NC Wildlife to crack down on impaired boating during July 4th holiday

(WWAY) — As boaters prepare to hit the water for the Fourth of July weekend, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is joining a nationwide campaign to curb impaired boating and improve safety on the state’s waterways.

From July 4 through July 6, wildlife officers will take part in Operation Dry Water, a national initiative developed by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators  in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign aims to increase awareness and enforcement around the dangers of boating under the influence.

“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem,” said Lt. Forrest Orr of the NCWRC. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users. That’s why NCWRC is joining agencies across the country through Operation Dry Water to prevent incidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired boating.”

In North Carolina, it is unlawful to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or while appreciably impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances.

Last year, NCWRC deployed 153 officers statewide during Operation Dry Water and removed 37 impaired boaters from the water. So far in 2025, the state has seen 39 boating incidents, including three fatalities. In 2024, 15 people died in boating-related incidents in North Carolina.

In addition to stepping up patrols, officers will be educating the public on the dangers of impaired boating and reminding everyone to wear a life jacket and boat sober.