Capt. Robert McCullough said boaters on Lake Marion can expect to see more enforcement this weekend from the law enforcement division of the state Department of Natural Resources.
"Lake Marion has been hit hard this year by a lot of deaths and accidents," McCullough said. "Our goal this weekend is to have everyone enjoy the lake safely and then get home safely."
McCullough said Lake Marion has had seven deaths this summer - six of those on the Clarendon County side. He said officers will be patrolling to check for safety equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers. They will also be looking for boating under the influence.
"Boating and alcohol just do not mix," McCullough said. "We've had three deaths on the lake this year attributable to alcohol that we can tell. That's three too many."
He said DNR will also be checking for registrations.
"People get a little aggravated with that, but that's how we check for stolen boats and motors," McCullough said. "So we ask that they be patient while we check registrations."
