Safe Boating Saves Lives: Start Summer on the Water the Right Way

Memorial Day weekend has just passed—a time of remembrance and also the unofficial kickoff to summer across South Carolina. As families head to Lake Greenwood and other area waterways, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is reminding everyone that boating safety should be a top priority all season long.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting out, following proper safety protocols is key to protecting yourself, your passengers, and others on the water.

Boater Education Makes a Difference
In South Carolina, boater education is required by law for anyone under 16 operating a personal watercraft (like a jet ski) or a boat with a 15 horsepower motor or greater—unless they are supervised by an adult or have completed an approved boating safety course.

The South Carolina Boater Education Course, offered by SCDNR and available online and in-person, covers critical topics including:

Navigational rules
Emergency procedures
Safe operation practices
Environmental stewardship
Alcohol use laws on the water
Boaters who complete the course receive a Boater Education Card, which proves they’ve passed the exam and met South Carolina’s requirements.

Know the Law and Stay Prepared
SCDNR officers patrol state waterways to ensure compliance with safety laws.

Key tips include:

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket—especially important for children and weak swimmers.
• Check your boat for all required safety equipment: throwable flotation devices, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and a working horn or whistle.
• Don’t overload your boat. Every vessel has a capacity plate—know and respect it.
• Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. BUI laws in South Carolina are strictly enforced and carry serious consequences.

Safety Tips for Every Boater
Whether you’re tubing with the kids or heading out to fish, remember these basic safety guidelines:

• File a float plan with someone onshore so they know your route and return time.
• Check the weather before heading out and be aware of shifting conditions.
• Maintain situational awareness—watch for swimmers, kayakers, and other boats.
• Take a boating safety course even if you’re not required to—it could save a life.

Get Certified and Stay Informed
To register for a South Carolina boating safety course or review current laws, visit the official SCDNR Boating Education page:
👉 https://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html

As the summer heats up, let’s all do our part to make South Carolina’s lakes and rivers safe, fun, and accident-free.

Be smart. Be safe. And enjoy the water responsibly.