The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will be out in force patrolling the state’s waterways this July 4 holiday weekend, traditionally the busiest boating time of the year in South Carolina. “Again this weekend, as we have throughout the summer, DNR
boating safety officers will be focused in ‘saturation’ patrols on lakes, rivers, reservoirs and our coastal waters in an effort to reduce boating accidents, injuries and fatalities,” according to Col. Alvin Taylor, deputy director for the DNR Law Enforcement Division in Columbia. “Our goal is to make the waterways a safer place for boaters and families by increasing our visibility and DNR presence on the water.”
S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) law enforcement officers patrolling the state’s waterways over the long July 4 holiday weekend will be on the lookout for dangerous boating behavior, such as negligent or reckless operation and boating under the influence; major causes of boating accidents, injuries and fatalities, Taylor said. So far this year, seven people have died in boating accidents in South Carolina. There were a total of 13 boating deaths in 2004, 33 deaths in 2003, 14 in 2002, 18 in 2001 and 15 in 2000.
“We are working to reduce boating accidents injuries and fatalities by placing an increased emphasis on boating safety patrols, combined with a heightened boating safety public awareness initiative,” Taylor said.
Last summer, DNR launched its new “Zippit” boating safety campaign. “Zippit” is a life-size lifejacket mascot that will be seen around the state on billboards and at public boat landings and special events. “Zippit” promotes the importance of wearing your life jacket and to always make safety a priority while boating and on the water. This weekend, at select areas around the state, the DNR (B-SAF) boating safety saturation team, will be handing out “I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket” t-shirts to children who are seen wearing their life jackets during routine boating safety inspections.
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