SCDNR to host courtesy boat inspections this weekend

UPSTATE — In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Labor 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 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, Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.

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, Aug. 31:

Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, 10 a.m. to Noon

Charleston County: Limehouse Landing, Stono River, Johns Island, 10 a.m. to Noon

Darlington County: Society Hill Landing, Great Pee Dee River, 10 a.m. to Noon

Horry County: Johnny Causey Landing, North Myrtle Beach, 10 a.m. to Noon

Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon

Oconee County: Fall Creek Landing, Lake Keowee, 10 a.m. to Noon

York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, Sept. 1:

Anderson County: River Forks Recreation Area, Lake Hartwell, 10 a.m. to Noon

Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Paris Island, 10 a.m. to Noon

Charleston County: Buck Hall Boat Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, McClellanville, 10 a.m. to Noon

Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion, 10 a.m. to Noon

Georgetown County: Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex, Sampit River, 10 a.m. to Noon

Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Marina, Lake Wateree, 10 a.m. to Noon

Marion County: Galivants Ferry Landing, Little Pee Dee River, 10 a.m. to Noon

Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day):

Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Okatie, 10 a.m. to Noon

Charleston County: Wappos Cut Landing, Charleston, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon

Chesterfield County: Lake H.B. Robinson Boat Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon

Colleton County: Bennett’s Point Landing, Mosquito Creek, Green Pond, 10 a.m. to Noon

Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon

Oconee County: Fall Creek Landing, Lake Keowee, 10 a.m. to Noon

York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie, 10 a.m. to Noon