Boating Under the Influence

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 1m

North Carolina wildlife officers are ramping up patrols this Fourth of July to stop drunk boating—part of a national Operation Dry Water aimed at preventing alcohol-related water tragedies. This year’s push comes after a heartbreaking August incident on Shearon Harris Lake, where a drunk operator killed a 10-year-old girl and left an adult with a leg amputated. Officials say it’s a preventable disaster—and if you drink, you must designate a sober driver. With 62 boating incidents and 9 deaths so far this year, and 26 last year, authorities are urging everyone to wear life jackets, choose a…