DNR News

SCDNR to host courtesy boat inspections for Fourth of July weekend June 22, 2017

In South Carolina, more people get out on the water during Fourth of July weekend than any other holiday.

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. 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.

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.

Additional inspections will also be hosted later in July.

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.

Courtesy boat inspection sites for July 1 � July 4:

July 1

Anderson County: Lake Hartwell - Riverfork Forks Boat Ramp, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Beaufort County: Chechesse River - Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn), 10 a.m. to noon
Berkeley County: Dunham Creek - Cypress Gardens Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Charleston County: ICW in Buck Hall - Buck Hall Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Charleston County: ICW south of Charleston Harbor - Wappoo Cut Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Clarendon County: Lake Marion - Alex Harvin Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Darlington County: Lake Robinson - Easterling Landing, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dorchester County: Ashley River - Herbert H. Jessen Landing, 10 a.m to noon
Georgetown County: Sampit River - Carroll A. Campbell Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Horry County: ICW at Little River - Johnny Causey Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Kershaw County: Lake Wateree - Clearwater Cove Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Lexington County: Lake Murray - Lake Murray Dam, 10 a.m. to noon
Newberry County: Billy Dreher Island (tournament ramp) , 10 a.m. to noon
Oconee County: Lake Keowee - South Cove Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
York County: Lake Wylie - Ebenezer Park Landing, 10 a.m. to noon

July 2

Beaufort County: Battery Creek - Battery Creek Landing (Parris Island), 10 a.m. to noon
Berkeley County: Tail Race Canal - William Dennis Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Charleston County: ICW in Awendaw - George Garris Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Charleston County: Stono River - John P. Limehouse Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Dorchester County: Edisto River - T. Coke Weeks Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Georgetown County: ICW on Waccamaw River - Wacca Wache Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Horry County: Waccamaw River - Conway Marina Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
McCormick County: Lake Thurmond - Dorn Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Pickens County: Lake Hartwell - Twelve Mile Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 3

Laurens County: Lake Greenwood - Riverfork Public Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
McCormick County: Lake Thurmond - Scotts Ferry, 10 a.m. to noon

July 4

Anderson County: Lake Hartwell - River Forks Boat Ramp, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Clarendon County: Lake Marion - Alex Harvin Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Greenwood County: Greenwood State Park- Lake Greenwood, 10 a.m. to noon
Lexington County: Lake Murray - Lake Murray Dam, 10 a.m. to noon
Marion County: Little Pee Dee - Galivants Ferry Landing, 10 a.m. to noon
Newberry County: Billy Dreher Island (tournament ramp), 10 a.m. to noon
Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen - main ramp, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspection sites later in July:

July 15

Beaufort County: Port Royal Sound - Sands Landing, 10 a.m. to noon

July 22

Beaufort County: Battery Creek - Battery Creek Landing (Parris Island), 10 a.m. to noon

DNR Media Contacts

Area	Personnel	Number
Coastal, Midlands	David Lucas	843-610-0096
Marine	Erin Weeks	843-953-9845
Upstate, Midlands	Greg Lucas	864-380-5201

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