BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () Residents of the Lowcountry are no strangers to the water, and with rising temperatures, many are eager to hit the waves.
State enforcement warned boaters not to get complacent. They want to remind boaters that getting behind the helm still comes with rules
“When you’re out boating, things can happen really, really fast,” said Earl Pope, SCDNR’s first sergeant over Jasper and Hampton County.
As a result, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is patrolling the waters to carry out routine inspections, ensuring individuals have all the legally required lifesaving equipment on board.
“A major issue we frequently encounter is a shortage of life jackets for passengers and incorrect sizing,” said Pope. “If you have children on board, ensure they have a child-sized life jacket or an infant life jacket.”
Boaters are also required to have a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, a horn, bell, or whistle and their boat registration.
Pope said that there’s a reason all these items are needed.
“The captain of the boat is responsible for everybody in the boat,” he said. “So, the captain needs to know where all his safety equipment at in case of an emergency so he can get there and render aid to the people on the boat.”
SCDNR was adamant that the captain also needs to be sober behind the helm, or they’ll pay the price in fines, a suspended boating license of 60 days to six months, or even jail time.
“When you’re out on the boat and you have been drinking, it’s the same limit as a vehicle. .08,” said Pope. “So, make sure if you decide to drink on a boat, that you have a designated driver, because we are looking for that during the summertime for boating under the influence.”
SCDNR enforcement said they’re not out to get folks in trouble. They just want to make sure people are having a successful and safe day on the water, and if you abide by the rules, they’ll be out of your hair and on their way.
“We try to inconvenience people as little as possible. We’re out working and we’re going to do our job and we’re going to do it efficiently and professionally and as fast as we can to get you back on your way so you can enjoy your day out on the boat with your family,” said Pope.
