Berkeley County to patrol lakes, rivers over Memorial Day weekend

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Local waterways will likely be full of boaters enjoying the long holiday weekend – but you won’t be alone. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office will also be on patrol to ensure boaters are safe.

“We’re prepared for this upcoming holiday. It’s the season that kicks off the summer for everybody out here on the lakes and rivers,” said Maj. Bobby Shuler with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.

BCSO’s marine patrol, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and Santee Cooper will be on the lanes and rivers all weekend.

“Multiple vessels each day will be out here just to make sure everybody is staying safe and enforcing the laws and the rules on the waterways,” he said.

There are some fairly new laws you need to know about.

“You have to wear that lanyard when operating a water vessel. That’s the Kill switch lanyard, so if somehow something happens while you’re on that vessel and you get thrown overboard or have some issue, it’ll actually kill the engine so it doesn’t cause more issues,” said Maj. Shuler.

They have suggestions for ways to keep yourself safe on the water.

“Make sure you tell somebody- like a float plan. A float plan would include the time you’re leaving, the time you’re expected to be back in, where you’re putting in at, how many people are gonna be on board. Make sure you have a fully charged cell phone and have the ability to keep that cell phone fully charged. Wear your personal flotation devices,” he said.

The marine patrol will also select random boats with children who are wearing their life jackets to receive free t-shirts out on the water as a prize.

“Sheriff Lewis wants everybody to have a great time out here on this water. That’s what this water is out here for,” he added.

The sheriff’s office said they will be out on the waterways until Memorial Day.

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