This Labor Day, Have Fun and Boat Safe

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 28) – The Labor Day weekend is the traditional end of summer and typically one of the busiest times on North Carolina waterways.

“As people enjoy their time boating over the holiday weekend, we want to remind them to do so responsibly,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, boating safety coordinator for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “Wildlife Officers will be out across the state to enforce boating regulations and minimize the risk of accidents.”

Wildlife Officers remind the boating public:

Boat Safe, Boat Sober North Carolina law sets the same limit – .08 blood-alcohol levels – for operating boats and cars. “Have a designated driver on the road and on the water,” said Officer Richard Tucker on Lake Hickory, near Granite Falls.

Beware of Boater Fatigue Wind and waves, combined with heat, glare, motor noise and vibrations creates a condition known as “boater fatigue” which can also exaggerate the effects of alcohol 3-to-1. “A safe boater is always alert,” said Officer Jon Evans on Falls Lake, near Raleigh.

Blue Light = No Wake Boaters within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying flashing blue lights must slow to a no-wake speed. In narrow channels, it is 50 feet. “Consider it a ‘move over’ law for the water,” said Lt. Rick Venable on Bogue Sound, near Morehead City.

For more information on boating safety and regulations, go online to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.