N.C. Wildlife Urges Safety on the Water

Photo by Jason Benavides

As Memorial Day weekend launches the busy summer boating season, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is urging boaters to stay sober and wear life jackets as fatalities rose statewide last year.

The agency’s “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents on North Carolina roads and waterways during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

“While the overall number of boating incidents investigated has been declining in recent years, last year we saw a troubling rise in fatal boating incidents,” Lt. Anna Barbosa said in a statement. “Our goal is for everyone to enjoy their day on the water and return home safely.”

According to the commission, there have already been 26 boating incidents investigated in 2026, including five fatal crashes that resulted in five deaths. Alcohol was a factor in three of those incidents.

Beer and wine are generally allowed on boats, but open bottles of liquor are prohibited unless the vessel includes sleeping quarters and kitchen facilities.

In 2025, North Carolina recorded 138 boating incidents, a 9.2% decrease from the previous year. However, fatal incidents increased sharply, with 25 fatal crashes leading to 26 deaths. Only six of those fatal incidents involved passengers wearing personal flotation devices.

National Safe Boating Week runs May 16-22. More information is available through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Stay informed

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is encouraging the public to stay informed about water conditions and swim advisories before heading out this summer.

Swim advisories may be issued when a body of water poses a public health threat, including sewage spills, chemical spills or harmful algal blooms.

Officials offered the following safety tips for days on the water this summer:

• Know before you go: Sign up for Char-Meck Alerts by texting MECKNOSWIM to 888-777 to receive swim advisories on your phone. Email alerts are also available.
• Know what algal blooms look like: Algal blooms are often green and may resemble pea soup or spilled green paint. They can also produce a foul odor. Officials said it is not possible to determine whether an algal bloom is toxic simply by looking at it. If you suspect a harmful algal bloom, keep people and pets away from the area.
• Know who to contact: Report pollution on the lakes by calling 311.