North Carolina wildlife officers are increasing patrols on waterways for Memorial Day weekend, stepping up boat stops and safety checks as the holiday brings more traffic to the water. Officers will be looking for impaired boaters, unsafe jet ski behavior and missing equipment during the campaign.

Officer Lee Perry said the agency typically sees more water traffic during holidays, and he urged boaters to plan ahead if alcohol is part of the day. “If you’re going to have drinking involved in your plans, I highly recommend at least having a designated driver just so everything’s good, and nobody’s gonna get in trouble and to be safe out there on the water,” Perry said.

The effort comes after officers reported 138 boat-related incidents last year, including 25 that were deadly. Perry said officials will stop boats to check whether they are following the law and have the proper equipment, including lifejackets, fishing licenses and fire extinguishers. Officers also stop people driving a boat while impaired and riders on jet skis who get too close to the back of a boat.

The holiday campaign will include both on-the-road and water checks, and it is being carried out with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and local sheriff and police departments. Officials say the goal is to curb boating incidents and enforce safety and equipment rules while waterways fill up for the long weekend.

The enforcement push puts the risk in plain view before the holiday begins. For boaters headed out this weekend, the message is simple: carry the required gear, follow the rules and do not assume a crowded waterway will get a pass.