DNR to hold courtesy boat inspections

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.
“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.
The Memorial Day weekend courtesy inspections correspond to the National Safe Boating Week (May 19-25).
Inspections in Beaufort County:
• Saturday, May 26: Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn), Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, May 27: Pinckney Island Landing (C. C. Haigh, Jr.), Mackay Creek, 10 a.m. to noon.