South Carolina boaters can take advantage of free boat inspections during Labor Day weekend. Courtesy checks will be offered by the state Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at various public boat landings beginning Saturday.
SCDNR officers will be checking for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Anyone not in compliance won't be ticketed but will be given the opportunity to correct any issues before launching their boat.
Inspections will take place at the following locations from 10 a.m. to noon:
Saturday, Sept. 5:
- Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing (Paris Island)
- Charleston County: Wappoo Cut
- Darlington County: Society Hill
- Greenwood County: River Fork, Lake Greenwood
- Horry County: Little River
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
- Oconee County: Fall Creek, Lake Keowee
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
Sunday, Sept. 6:
- Anderson County: Seneca Creek, Lake Hartwell
- Berkeley County: Mega Ramp, previously known as Atkins Boat Landing
- Charleston County: Buck Hall Boat Landing
- Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove, Lake Wateree
- Marion County: Galivants Ferry
- Orangeburg County: Santee State Park, Lake Marion
- Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen
Monday, Sept. 7:
- Beaufort County: Lemon Island
- Charleston County: Remeley's Boat Landing
- Chesterfield County: Lake Robinson
- Georgetown County: Carroll Campbell Boat Ramp
- Lexington County: Dreher Island
- McCormick County: Scotts Ferry, Clarks Hill/Thurmond
- Oconee County: Twin Lakes, Lake Hartwell
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
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 800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cell phone.