In an effort to keep state waterways safe during the upcoming July 4th holiday, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will again be conducting courtesy safety inspections at some public boat landings. The first of which will occur on June 29 around Lake Murray.

S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boating safety and enforcement officers will perform a quick, but thorough, inspection for items such as required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. DNR 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 DNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form contact the DNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301.

Also note, the South Carolina General Assembly recently has designated July 4th as Free Fishing Day. All South Carolina residents may fish free in freshwater on July 4 without a recreational license. All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits and gear restrictions remain in place.

Courtesy safety inspections at the following locations and times:

* June 29:
Billy Dreher Island – Lake Murray – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Newberry Co.
Lake Murray Dam – Lake Murray – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Lexington Co.

* July 4
Alex Harvin – Lake Marion – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Clarendon Co.
Billy Dreher Island – Lake Murray – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Newberry Co.
Craig T. Campbell Landing – ICW at Little River – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Horry Co.
Dorn Landing-Lake Thurmond – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – McCormick Co.
East Bay Street Landing – Sampit River – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Georgetown Co.
Green Pond Boat Ramp-Lake Hartwell – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Anderson Co.
Herbert H. Jessen Landing – Ashley River – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Dorchester Co.
Lake Murray Dam – Lake Murray – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Lexington Co. 
Lemon Island Boat Ramp- Chechessee River – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Beaufort Co.
Remleys Point Landing – Wando River – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Charleston Co.
Riverfork Public Landing-Lake Greenwood – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Laurens Co.
Twelve Mile Park-Lake Hartwell – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Pickens Co.

* July 6
Easterling Landing – Lake Robinson – 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Darlington Co.
Greenwood State Park – Lake Greenwood – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Greenwood Co.
Lake Wateree Clearwater Cove Landing – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Kershaw Co.
Main Ramp – Lake Bowen- 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Spartanburg Co.
Parksville Boat Landing – Lake Thurmond – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – McCormick Co.
River Forks Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Anderson Co.
South Cove Park – Lake Keowee – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Oconee Co.

* July 7
Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie – 10 a.m. to 12 noon – York Co.
Galivants Ferry Landing – Little Pee Dee – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Marion Co.
Lake Wateree State Park Landing – Lake Wateree – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Kershaw Co.

* July 20
Beaufort Water Festival – Battery Creek Landing (Parris Island) – 10 a.m. to noon – Beaufort Co.