DNR courtesy boating inspections set during Memorial Day weekend - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

DNR courtesy boating inspections set during Memorial Day weekend

From SCDNR

In an effort to keep state waterways safe during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will again be conducting courtesy safety inspections at some public boat landings.

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is considered the first blast of summer and one of the busiest weekends of the year on state waters. DNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform a quick, but thorough, inspection for items such as required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Boaters will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat.

"Boaters should pay special attention with keeping their safety equipment up to date. Boaters should inspect their lifejackets to ensure that they are in good serviceable condition and without tears or holes. The boat operator is responsible for having a proper fitting U.S. Coast Guard type II lifejacket for all passengers on board. It is especially important to check the size and fit of lifejacket for children. Our courtesy boat inspections are a proactive way to give boaters this opportunity before launching their vessels," said Col. Chisolm Frampton, deputy director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division. DNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.

The Memorial Day weekend courtesy boat inspections correspond to the National Safe Boating Week (May 19-25). The campaign reminds boaters throughout the boating season to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you.

 To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the DNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. 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 DNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301.

Courtesy safety inspections at the following locations and times:

May 26

Alex Harvin - Lake Marion - 10 a.m. to noon - Clarendon County

Billy Dreher Island - Lake Murray - 10 a.m. to noon - Newberry County

Dorn Landing - Lake Thurmond - 10 a.m. to noon - McCormick County

Fishing Creek Lake - Springs Landing - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Lancaster County

Jim Rampey Rec Area - Lake Russell - 10 a.m. to noon - Abbeville County

John P. Limehouse Landing - ICW on Stono River - 10 a.m. to noon - Charleston County

Lake Murray Dam - Lake Murray - 10 a.m. to noon - Lexington County

Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn) - Chechesse River - 10 a.m. to noon - Beaufort County

Low Falls - Lake Marion - 10 a.m. to noon - Calhoun County

Main Ramp - Lake Robinson - 10 a.m. to noon - Greenville County

Pick Hill Landing - Broad River - 10 a.m. to noon - Cherokee County

Richardsons Landing - Lake Moultrie - 10 a.m. to noon - Berkeley County

Riverfork Public Landing - Lake Greenwood - 10 a.m. to noon - Laurens County

South Cove Park - Lake Keowee - 10 a.m. to noon - Oconee County

The New Peach Tree Landing - ICW at Socastee - 10 a.m. to noon - Horry County

May 27

Alex Harvin - Lake Marion - 10 a.m. to noon - Clarendon County

Billy Dreher Island - Lake Murray - 10 a.m. to noon - Newberry County

Garris Landing (Morres) - ICW on South End of Bulls Bay - 10 a.m. to noon - Charleston County

Greenwood State Park - Lake Greenwood - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Greenwood County

Lake Murray Dam - Lake Murray - 10 a.m. to noon - Lexington County

Lake Wateree - Clearwater Cove Landing - 10 a.m. to noon - Kershaw County

Lake Wylie - Ebenezer Landing - 10 a.m. to noon - York County

Little Pee Dee River - Galivants Ferry Landing - 10 a.m. to noon - Marion County

Low Falls - Lake Marion - 10 a.m. to noon - Calhoun County

Main Ramp - Lake Bowen - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Spartanburg County

Murrells Inlet Landing - Murrells Inlet/Atlantic Ocean - 10 a.m. to noon - Georgetown County

Pinckney Island Landing (C. C. Haigh, Jr.) - Mackay Creek - 10 a.m. to noon - Beaufort County

River Forks Boat Ramp - Lake Hartwell - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Anderson County

Wappoo Cut Landing - ICW south of Charleston Harbor - 10 a.m. to noon - Charleston County

May 28

Gap Hill Landing - Lake Keowee - 10 a.m. to noon - Pickens County

Parksville Boat Landing - Lake Thurmond - 10 a.m. to noon - McCormick County