JORDAN LAKE, N.C. – Fourth of July festivities continue on lakes and waterways this weekend, with safety remaining a top priority for authorities during Operation Dry Water, an annual crackdown on impaired boating.

What You Need To Know

  • Operation Dry Water is a national campaign involving local, state and federal law enforcement, targeting impaired boaters

  • A driver’s alcohol limit cannot legally exceed more than 0.08, which is the same as driving a car

  • Last year, officers made 40 arrests for boating under the influence (BUI) in North Carolina

  • According to wildlife officials, there have been 65 boating incidents so far in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths

According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, there have been 65 reported boating incidents resulting in 10 fatalities this year, prompting heightened vigilance over the holiday weekend.

This annual initiative, now in full swing, aims to prevent accidents caused by impaired boating.

Wildlife Officers Kirby Lambert and Jacob Pattison are at the forefront of this effort, patrolling the waters to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

“A lot of people, when they see blue lights and a boat coming to them, two guys in a uniform, you can see they kind of get a little scared. A little like, ‘What are they stopping me for?’ But we try to treat people with respect," Lambert said.

In North Carolina, boating under the influence laws are strictly enforced, mirroring regulations for driving a car. Boaters are prohibited from operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, and violations can lead to serious legal consequences.

Lambert says the laws are critical.

“If you’re out here boating under the influence, you can potentially risk lives of others, the passengers on your vessel, people working out here or just ordinary families enjoying the lake,” he said.

Operation Dry Water isn't just about enforcement; it's also about education and awareness.

Local, state and federal agencies, and advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, are collaborating to spread the message of responsible boating. Ollie Jeffers, a chapter leader with MADD, shared her motivation behind her involvement.

"I’ve been doing it for 27 years. It’s just once I got started, it’s hard to stop because it’s such a rewarding opportunity," Jeffers said.

She recalled a Fourth of July incident when a woman in her community was hit and killed by a drunken driver while on her way home from celebrating Independence Day with her daughter in Raleigh.

"When I say devastation… Devastation. Because they, the family… can you imagine just celebrating? Everybody’s just having a great time and then you get the call and say your mom was killed by a drunk driver," Jeffers said.

The additional law enforcement presence will remain heightened through July 6.

Wildlife officers will be conducting safety checks, ensuring boats are equipped with up-to-date safety gear and life jackets for all passengers, including children under 13 who are required to wear them at all times.

Related Stories