South Carolina Cracks Down on Boating Safety with Statewide Inspections This Holiday Weekend

COLUMBIA, S.C. – With thousands expected on the water for the Fourth of July weekend, South Carolina officials are ramping up efforts to keep boaters safe — launching a statewide boating safety initiative that includes free boat inspections and education-focused patrols across 15 counties.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) announced that patrols will be present at dozens of public landings from Friday through Sunday, offering courtesy safety checks from 9 to 11 a.m. each day.

What Officers Are Checking For

According to Col. Chisolm Frampton, commander of the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division, the inspections are not about writing tickets — they’re about prevention and education.

“We’re not out to write tickets,” Frampton said. “We want to make sure people have what they need to be safe, like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and proper registrations.”

Boaters who are missing key safety equipment won’t be fined but will receive on-the-spot guidance to help correct issues before heading out on the water.

Kid-Friendly Incentives and Corporate Partners

In a creative twist to promote youth safety, SCDNR has partnered with Sonic Drive-In and Wendy’s to reward children who are seen wearing life jackets properly. Officers may hand out free milkshake or Frosty coupons to encourage the behavior.

“These officers are your neighbors, and they care about keeping everyone safe,” said Billy Chastain with Dominion Energy, another safety partner in the initiative.
“There are no dotted lines or brakes on boats.”

Where to Get Your Boat Checked

Free safety inspections will be available at the following public boat landings:

Friday, July 4

Lake Bowen (Spartanburg)
Twin Lakes (Pickens)
Molly Creek (Fairfield)
Lake Murray Dam (Lexington)
Bass Pro Shop (Horry)
Wapoo Cut Landing (Charleston)
Battery Creek Boat Landing (Beaufort)

Saturday, July 5

River Fork Landing – Lake Hartwell (Anderson)
South Cove – Lake Keowee (Oconee)
Clearwater Cove – Lake Wateree (Kershaw)
Alex Harvin Landing – Lake Marion (Clarendon)
Hatchery Landing (Berkeley)
Remley’s Point & Buck Hall (Charleston)

Sunday, July 6

Scott’s Ferry – Lake Thurmond (McCormick)
Hwy. 72 Landing (Greenwood)
Seneca Creek – Lake Hartwell (Oconee)
Ebenezer Park (York)
Lake Murray Dam (Lexington)
Lemon Island Boat Ramp (Beaufort)
Limehouse Landing (Charleston)
Carroll Campbell Boat Ramp (Georgetown)

A State of Boaters

“With over 325,000 registered boats, South Carolina is a boating state,” said Frampton. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone can enjoy the water responsibly.”

SCDNR also encourages boaters to take free boating safety courses, download a float plan, and review boating regulations at dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

Will you be on the water this weekend? Did your boat pass inspection? Share your experience with us at saludastandard-sentinel.com — and help promote safe boating across South Carolina.