By: Dana Erickson
Source: Sydni Edwards
Brandon Charochak
In July of this year South Carolina Governor Henry McMasters signed a new bill enacting new boating safety law which would enforce new safety measures. The hope is that this new bill will possess the means to prevent boating deaths across South Carolina.
The new bill states that if a person was born after July 2007, they will have to pass a SCDNR approved boater education course in order to operate a boat (with a 10-horsepower engine or more) or personal watercraft. Fines for violating this law could be as much as three hundred dollars.
The law comes after a South Carolina family who experienced a deadly boating collision pushed for a law like this to prevent other families from experiencing the same sorrow. The legislation aims to make South Carolina waterways safer for everyone.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resource’s website will have a list of sanctioned boating safety courses. For those renting a watercraft while in South Carolina the list will also provide one or more boat rental safety courses when renting a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty prop craft. Boat rental safety certificates will be valid for 30 days.
The bill passed the House and Senate and took effect August 18.
For more information visit scstatehouse.gov
495 Brookside Ave.
North August, SC 29841
[Directions via Google Maps]
