By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, but it’s also when boating season starts picking up.
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The Tar Heel state has already had several boating-related deaths, which is why the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission is now urging people to boat sober.
“People are out there having fun, so they might forget how dangerous drinking and operating can be,” said master officer Joseph Spears with wildlife resource commission.
Spears is among the wildlife officers patrolling waters Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. He and the commission are working to ensure everyone can go home safely after a day at the lake.
Their focus this holiday weekend is deterring impaired boaters.
“People do like to enjoy alcohol while on the lake, which is completely fine. But just like with drinking and driving, drinking and boating is very dangerous,” Spears said.
So far this year, the commission reports five fatal boating incidents in North Carolina. They say alcohol was a factor in three.
“We’re looking for violations of those no wake speeds or operating too close to other boats or swimmers, things like that,” he said.
Along with signs of impairment, officers are looking for things like life vest use for children under 13 and boating registration.
Something to be especially aware of this year is the water level. Because of the drought, some areas are shallower than boaters remember from past seasons, creating hazardous conditions.
Spears says it’s important to take it slow and to look out for shallow areas.
Spears knows people will be drinking on the water, but it’s important that groups have a sober captain and a plan before hitting the water.
“It typically will hit you about three times faster than if you’re drinking on land,: Spears said about drinking on water. “And a lot of people don’t know that, and they end up thinking they might be OK when really they’re far more impaired than they might realize,” Spears added.
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His message this season: On the road or on the water, don’t drink and drive.