In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the July 4th holiday and preceding 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 July 4th holiday is one of the busiest boating 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. The boating inspections will be conducted July 1, July 2 and July 4.
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.
July 4th, weekend boat inspection locations (most inspections are from 10 a.m. to Noon):
Saturday, July 1:
Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
Charleston County: Wappoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon
Horry County: Bass Pro Shop Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon
Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon
Lexington County: Larry Coon Landing, Lake Murray, 10 a.m. to Noon
Marion County: Galivants Ferry Landing, Little Pee Dee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
Pickens County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell, 10 a.m. to Noon
Richland County: Lighthouse Marina Landing, Lake Murray, 10 a.m. to Noon
Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon
York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie, 10 a.m. to Noon
Sunday, July 2:
Charleston County: Buck Hall Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, McClellanville, 10 a.m. to Noon
Charleston County: John P. Limehouse Landing, Intracoastal Waterway/Stono River, Johns Island, 10 a.m. to Noon
Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion, 10 a.m. to Noon
Darlington County: Highway 34/Cashua Ferry Landing, Great Pee Dee River, Darlington, 10 a.m. to Noon
Georgetown County: Carroll A. Campbell Landing, Sampit River, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to Noon
Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Marina Landing, Lake Wateree, 10 a.m. to Noon
Lexington County: Dreher Island State Park Landing, Lake Murray, 10 a.m. to Noon
Oconee County: South Cove County Park Landing, Lake Keowee, 10 a.m. to Noon
Saluda County: SCE&G Riverbend Boat Ramp, Lake Murray, Batesburg-Leesville, 10 a.m. to Noon
Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon
Tuesday, July 4:
Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, Moncks Corner, 10 a.m. to Noon
Charleston: Remleys Point Boat Ramp, Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant, 10 a.m. to Noon
Chesterfield County: Lake H.B. Robinson Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon
Horry County: Johnny Causey Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, North Myrtle Beach, 10 a.m. to Noon
Laurens County: River Fork Landing, Lake Greenwood
Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing: 10 a.m. to Noon
Lexington County: Larry Coon Landing, Lake Murray, 10 a.m. to Noon
Oconee County: Devils Fork State Park Landing, Lake Jocassee, 8-10 a.m.
Orangeburg County: Santee State Park Landing, Lake Marion, 10 a.m. to Noon
Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen Landing, 10 a.m. to Noon
York County: Ebenezer Park Landing, Lake Wylie, 10 a.m. to Noon
Saturday, July 15
Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Beaufort Water Festival, Port Royal, 10 a.m. to Noon