IRMO, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will give the public free boat inspections and opportunities to fix issues without being ticketed before heading onto the water on Memorial Day weekend.
The agency announced on Friday that, from May 25 through May 27, between 10 a.m. and noon, its law enforcement division would conduct courtesy boat inspections at several popular boating areas across South Carolina.
"The Memorial Day holiday kicks off the summer boating season and is one of the busiest 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," the SCDNR said in Friday's announcement.
The inspections are described as "quick but thorough" and will look for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who aren't in compliance during these inspections won't be ticketed. They'll instead get a chance to correct whatever issue arises. Officers will also be on hand to answer questions and provide tips.
Boaters can get a list of regulations, available boating safety courses and free float planning forms by visiting the SCDNR boater education website or by visiting 1-800-277-4301. The public can also report boating violations, reckless operation or an intoxicated boater to SCDNR by calling 1-800-922-5431 or dialing #DNR on a cell phone.
Memorial Day Weekend boat inspection days and locations
All inspections are between 10 a.m. and noon.
Saturday, May 25
- Anderson County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell
- Berkeley County: William Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal
- Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
- Greenwood County: SC Highway 72 Landing at Break on the Lake, Lake Greenwood
- Horry County: Little River Landing
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing
- York County: Allison Creek Park Landing, Lake Wylie
Sunday, May 26
- Beaufort County: Broad River Landing
- Charleston County: Remley's Point
- Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion
- Colleton County: Bennett's Point
- Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Landing, Lake Wateree
- McCormick County: Dorn Landing, Lake Thurmond
- Pickens County: South Cove Landing, Lake Keowee
Monday, May 27
- Beaufort County: Lemon Island Boat Ramp
- Charleston County: Limehouse Landing
- Georgetown County: Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex Landing
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
- Oconee County: Seneca Creek, Lake Hartwell
- York County: Allison Creek Park Landing, Lake Wylie
