ramp up – The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is increasing patrols on waterways this Memorial Day weekend, targeting impaired boating and jet skis traveling too close to other boats. Officers plan stops to check safety equipment, licenses, and legal compli
By the time Memorial Day weekend traffic starts to thicken, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission expects the water to get busier too.
This holiday, the agency is increasing patrols on waterways as millions travel by road, air, and boat to celebrate. Officer Lee Perry said the commission sees more water traffic during holidays. and with it comes predictable. dangerous behavior—people driving boats while impaired and jet skis riding too close to the back of other boats.
Those close calls aren’t just about rule-breaking, Perry said. They can turn into serious incidents quickly. which is why officers will be out this holiday weekend stopping boats to make sure operators are following the law and have the proper equipment on board. That includes lifejackets, fishing licenses, fire extinguishers, and more.
The urgency is tied to what happened last year. Perry said there were 138 boat-related incidents in 2025, with 25 of them deadly. This year, the commission is looking to curb that number by focusing enforcement on the places where harm tends to start.
Perry also urged people to plan ahead if alcohol is part of their holiday. “If you’re going to have drinking involved in your plans, I highly recommend at least having a designated driver just so everything’s good, and nobody’s gonna get in trouble and to be safe out there on the water,” he said.
He pointed out the consequences of driving while intoxicated can be severe. They could include going to jail and paying a $250 penalty fee, along with more.
To carry out the crackdown, the campaign will involve both on-the-road and water checks, with partners including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Local sheriff and police departments are also part of the effort this weekend.
The message is straightforward for anyone heading out—whether it’s a short trip or a full day on the water. With patrols stepping up as the holiday crowd arrives, the commission is trying to make sure the weekend doesn’t end the same way it did last year.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Memorial Day weekend patrols waterways safety impaired boating jet ski safety lifejackets fishing licenses fire extinguishers North Carolina State Highway Patrol Mothers Against Drunk Driving
About time. People act like a jet ski is basically a toy.
I didn’t even know NC had “waterway patrols” like that. So they’re stopping boats just to check lifejackets and stuff? Seems kinda fine but also like they’re gonna be annoying all weekend.
138 incidents in 2025 with 25 deadly… that number is terrifying but I feel like the article didn’t say if it’s mostly drunk driving vs just people being reckless. Also $250 penalty fee?? That seems low if someone dies, unless I missed the part where it’s way worse.
This is why I don’t go out on holidays, everyone’s already driving like idiots on the road so why would they suddenly be normal on the water. Jet skis too close to other boats is the dumbest thing ever. But also, how do they even know you’re impaired on a boat like right away? Are they doing sobriety tests on lakes now or what?