State offering free Memorial Day boat inspections
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Memorial Day weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state.
The Memorial Day holiday kicks off the summer boating season and is one of the busiest times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, and officers want to do everything possible to keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.
SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat.
SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.
All inspections will be help from 10 a.m. to noon on Memorial Day weekend at the following locations:
Saturday, May 27:
Anderson County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell
Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
Greenwood County: SC Highway 72 Landing at Break on the Lake, Lake Greenwood
Horry County: Little River Landing
Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing
York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie
Sunday, May 28:
Beaufort County: Broad River Landing
Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion
Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Landing, Lake Wateree
McCormick County: Dorn Landing, Lake Thurmond
Pickens County: South Cove Landing, Lake Keowee
Monday, May 29:
Anderson County: Twelve Mile Landing, Lake Hartwell
Beaufort County: Lemon Island Boat Ramp
York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie
Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cell phone.
For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit their website.