PICKENS COUNTY — In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during Memorial Day weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will once again be conducting courtesy boat inspections at certain public boat landings around the state.

Courtesy boat inspections will be performed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 28 at River Forks Boat Ramp on Lake Hartwell in Anderson County and from 10 a.m. to noon May 29 Gap Hill Landing on Lake Keowee in Pickens County.

Memorial Day weekend is one of the year’s busiest weekends on state waters, and officers want to do everything possible to keep boaters out of harm’s way during the holiday.

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.

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 http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

Staff Report