Governor McCrory Cracks Down on Drunk Boating

Charlotte N.C. – Today, Governor Pat McCrory signed a new piece of legislation that will crack down on drunk boating. The bill is being named in honor of Sheyenne Marshall, the Concord teen who was tragically killed by a drunk boater on Lake Norman over the Fourth of July weekend last year. Governor McCrory was joined at the signing by Sheyenne’s family, as well as, various students, teachers, and elected officials.

“This bill cannot bring Sheyenne back to us, but it can help save others by sending a strong message that drunk driving in a boat is just as dangerous as in a car,” Governor McCrory said. “With summer here and millions of people flocking to our state’s lakes and beaches, I want to remind everyone not to drink and drive.”

The new law will strengthen penalties for causing death or serious injury by impaired boating, bringing it to a felony rather than misdemeanor. In 2015 alone, 25 people were killed as a result of boating related accidents, nearly half of which involved alcohol.