For decades, recreational boating has been on a steady increase, but since 2020, it has exploded, with over a forty percent increase in that year alone. Although numbers have started to “normalize,” collectively, we are still flocking to the water. South Carolina ranks second in the Nation for per capita ownership, with 325,937 watercrafts registered in the Palmetto State in 2024.
In far too many cases, as boat ownership grows exponentially, boating education has not, and contrary to what a boat salesman might tell you, driving a boat isn’t anything like a car. In 2023, there were 3844 boating accidents and 564 related deaths in the United States, with South Carolina claiming 156 of the accidents, 24 of which were fatal. These tragic numbers make the case for safer boating, and according to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Private First Class Jared Wilson, boating safer starts with the right equipment.
A boat operating on inland waters in South Carolina has several required safety items, according to the Game Warden. The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the life jacket (PFD). A properly fitting Coast Guard approved PFD must be available for each person on board. Boaters also must have a throwable device that is readily accessible. This does not mean stowed under a stack of other gear. If the boat is under twenty-six feet, there must also be one Class B fire extinguisher.
Other equipment required includes a sound making device, either a horn or whistle. Although more than one is not required, this boating instructor suggests two or more. PCF Wilson said that you also must have the proper registration and some form of State-issued ID.
Although first aid kits and visual distress signals are not required for inland operation, they are still good to have on board. Once a boat is properly equipped, it comes down to knowing some of the guidelines, according to Wilson, who points out that many incidents happen from not understanding the “rules of the road.”
Until recently, South Carolina was one of only four states that didn’t require boater safety training. However, as of August 2023, anyone born after July 1, 2007, is required to take a safety course. This doesn’t require a boater born before that date to take boating safety.
Wilson said the most often violated rules involve buoys. Although there are significantly more in places like the Intercoastal Waterway, the three most obvious—and violated—markers start with the No Wake Zone, which is white with an orange circle. Wilson explains “no wake” as being at idle speed, with just enough power to maintain control.
The other two markers are similar – both have orange diamonds. The diamond with a cross, explained Wilson, is an exclusionary zone, meaning that it is unlawful to enter with a vessel. These are found near the towers, and in places like swimming areas. The third is also a diamond, without the cross. This is a shallow marker, indicating rock piles, sandbars, or stumps left in the Lake’s creation.
When it comes to operation, there are many common mistakes that boaters make, often because they don’t know the rules. Lights are often misused, said Wilson. “Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise, and in times of limited visibility,” he said. Navigation lights include the white 360-degree light near the rear of the boat and the red and green lights on the front. These colored lights indicate the direction. The red light can only be seen from a specific angle on the left (port) side of the boat, and the green from the right (starboard) side. This allows for a clear visual even in the dark of night, or a foggy day.
Other misunderstood operations include a crossing situation, where the vessel on the left must yield to the one on the right, provided they are both motorboats. Additionally, distance requirements are often misunderstood or simply not obeyed. As of 2022, the distance a boater must stay away from docks, anchored boats, and people is 100 feet, in most lakes in the state. The law also addresses wake surfing, stating that a wake surfer must remain 200 feet from a dock, anchored boat, or person in the water.
When it comes to personal watercraft (jet skis, wave runners, etc.), Wilson said he sees many wild and unsafe things, like jumping too close to other boats, racing, and trying to spray people on other boats. He says that he also sees people with no PFD – which is required – on a personal watercraft. Further pointing out that you must make sure you are connected to the kill switch in case you fall off.
Drinking is often a contributing factor to incidents out on the water. A BUI is like a DUI, where the limit is .08% BAC, however, like a car, you cannot drive impaired by anything else either. Wilson said that it comes down to “reasonable” operation, in that you need to consider the safety of everyone on your boat, as well as everyone else out on the lake.
You may ask yourself, “What if I am breaking the law?” Wilson said that fines can range from $155 to $465, and when it comes to things like a BUI, it can be significantly higher and include a night in jail.
At the end of the day, Wilson said, “Although everyone wants to have a good time, you have to be safe and drive defensively.” He shared that the only way you are going to know the rules, expectations, and even safety is with a boater education class, regardless of what year you were born. And although there are several online options for learning the rules, you cannot learn to drive a boat safely and confidently without a certified hands-on program, like The Boating Boot Camp.