Boating Safety Advisory Issued for North Carolina Waterways

During a routine vessel inspection, a wildlife officer checks a fire extinguisher to make sure it is functional.

RALEIGH, N.C. (May 19, 2008)– The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has issued a boating safety advisory for Memorial Day weekend, stressing the dangers of inebriation on the water. A boat operator who registers a blood alcohol level of .08 is legally intoxicated and subject to arrest for operating a vessel while impaired.

“The advisory serves as another reminder to ‘boat safe, boat sober’,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator. “The law also allows for a boat operator to be charged if appreciably impaired, regardless of blood alcohol level, since wind and waves, combined with heat, glare, motor noise and vibrations can create a condition known as boater fatigue that exaggerates the effect of alcohol 3-to-1.”

Posters distributed across North Carolina remind vessel operators to “boat safe, boat sober.”

Prior to the holiday, wildlife officers remind boaters:

Blue Light = No Wake: Boats approaching within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying flashing blue lights must slow to a no-wake speed. In narrow channels, the distance is within 50 feet.

Wear a Life Vest: State law requires children under 13 to wear a proper life vest while on any recreational vessel that is underway. It is recommended that everyone should. A floating cushion or a life vest nearby often isn’t enough in an emergency.

Be Aware, Be Involved: Boaters can report accidents and violations by calling toll free 1-800-662-7137.

The Memorial Day weekend is the traditionally one of the busiest times on North Carolina waterways and signals the start of the recreational boating season.

MEDIA: A hi-res version of this image may be downloaded here. Please credit the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

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