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<p><strong>From staff reports&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Independence Day holiday, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will once again be conducting courtesy boat inspections at certain public boat landings around the state.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Beaufort County will have two inspection sites over the holiday. On Saturday, July 3, SCDNR will conduct inspections from 10 a.m. to noon at Battery Creek Landing on Parris Island. Then on Sunday, July 4, there will be inspections at Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn) on the Chechessee River from 10 a.m. to noon.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The Fourth of July weekend is the year's busiest weekend on state waters, and officers want to do everything possible to keep boaters out of harm's way.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>SCDNR officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for 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. 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.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Additional inspections will also be hosted later in July, including from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 17 at Battery Creek Landing for the Beaufort Water Festival.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>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. 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 https://www. dnr.sc.gov/education/boated. html.&nbsp;</p>
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