Authorities Patrolling Area Waters For Alcohol Violations

Officers with the

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

are out on area lakes patrolling for boat operators who might be under the influence of alcohol.

"When you have a driver that's impaired, he's endangering everyone that's on his boat," said N.C. Wildlife officer A.J. Evans, who patrolled Falls Lake on Saturday. "He's also endangering everyone on this lake."

Field sobriety tests are conducted for anyone suspected of being drunk. People in violation will receive an operating while under the influence citation if their blood-alcohol level is above the legal limit for adults, .08.

OWIs are similar to driving while impaired citations with automobiles, and anyone cited by law enforcement can be arrested.

Studies show boating passengers who have been consuming alcohol are also 30 percent more likely to be injured than people who have not.