Lake Murray, SC 0616/2022 (Paul Kirby) – All boaters who enjoy Lake Murray and other public lakes and waterways in South Carolina need to familiarize themselves with a new speed law signed by Governor Henry McMasters in March. In order to help spread the word and give boaters a fair chance to learn the new laws before being subjected to fines, the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has released a statement that explains these changes.
In their release, the SCDN said that all boaters and personal watercraft users hitting the water this summer should be aware of these changes to state law.
First, they identified the bodies of water that these new laws apply to. Specifically, the are:
Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Murray, Lake Robinson, Lake Russell, Lake Secession, Lake Thurmond, Lake Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, or the portion of the Savannah River from the Interstate 20 Savannah River Bridge to the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam.
Secondly, they pointed out the changes that are now in effect. Those are:
No one may operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel while upon the waters of the above listed SC bodies of water in excess of idle speed if you are within 100 feet of a wharf, dock, bulkhead, or pier or within fifty feet of a moored or anchored vessel or person in the water.
In all other State waters, you may not operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel in excess of idle speed if you are within 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water, or within 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coastline.
The prohibitions contained in this item do not apply to an unoccupied, moored vessel or watercraft or to a person behind a vessel or watercraft who is on water skis or a floating device with the permission of the operator of the vessel or watercraft.
The above law applies to all boats, jet skis, and any other personal watercraft.
Violation of this law is a misdemeanor and generally punishable by fines of about $100-$600, depending on court fees in each county jurisdiction. SCDNR regularly patrols state waterways to enforce applicable boating and fishing laws.
Before launching your own watercraft the next time, it would probably be wise to mark off 100’ and 50’ on land and let everyone who plans to operate the watercraft see that distance and get it set into their mind. This could prevent you from being stopped and fined in the future. Although DNR law enforcement officers will probably be doing some education on this law over the summer, don’t expect underestimating the distances to be a passable excuse forever.
For information on boating regulations, education, and boat ramp locations, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.
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