In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during Labor Day weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state.
The Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest boating times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, along with being the traditional wrap-up for the summer boating season, 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. The boating inspections will be conducted Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Sept. 5, Sept. 6, and Sept. 7.
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 cellular 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 http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.
Labor Day weekend boat inspection locations (all inspections are from 10 a.m. to noon):
Saturday, Sept. 5:
- Berkeley County: Battery Creek Boat Landing (Paris Island)
- Charleston County: Wappoo Cut
- Darlington County: Society Hill
- Greenwood County: River Fork, Lake Greenwood
- Horry County: Little River
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
- Oconee County: Fall Creek, Lake Keowee
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
Sunday, Sept. 6:
- Anderson County: Seneca Creek, Lake Hartwell
- Beaufort County: Mega Ramp, previously known as Atkins Boat Landing
- Charleston County: Buck Hall Boat Landing
- Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Marina, Lake Wateree
- Marion County: Galivants Ferry
- Orangeburg County: Santee State Park, Lake Marion
- Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen
Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day):
- Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing
- Charleston County: Remeley’s Boat Landing
- Chesterfield County: Lake Robinson
- Georgetown County: Carroll Campbell Boat Ramp
- Lexington County: Dreher Island
- McCormick County: Scotts Ferry, Clarks Hill/Thurmond
- Oconee County: Twin Lakes, Lake Hartwell
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
