WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Wildlife law enforcement is participating in Operation Dry Water for July 4-6 to heighten awareness about the dangers of boating while impaired.

Officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be increasing water patrols, providing boaters with information on the dangers of impaired boating and enforcing state laws.

“This is one of the busiest weekends for boaters every year. The presence of law enforcement officers in North Carolina is a key factor in preventing incidents from occurring or escalating,” said Lt. Forrest Orr, of the NCWRC’s Law Enforcement Division. “The Operation Dry Water campaign is an effective resource in providing safer boating opportunities, keeping boating safety at the forefront of holiday activities.”

NCWRC wildlife law enforcement deployed 159 officers last year and removed 40 people from the water who were boating while impaired.

“Officials also stress the importance of other boating safety practices while on the water. So far this year, 37 boating incidents have occurred in North Carolina; seven were fatal. Wildlife law enforcement officers urge boaters to boat responsibly. Last year in North Carolina, boating incidents resulted in 19 fatalities. Of those, 17 were not wearing a life jacket,” a press release states.

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