Warm weather brings an increased level of boating traffic on Lake Murray. Are you ready for fun? Is your boat equipped for safety? Do you know boating basics and laws for operating a boat safely?
Nationally, over 69% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, over 89% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Over 83% of the boaters who drowned were using boats less than 26 feet in length. Consistent with previous years, 75% of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Did you know? Only 7 states have a higher number of boats registered than South Carolina? South Carolina's Number of Deaths per 100,000 Registered Boats is lower than the national average? (2.3 vs. 5.3)
Links for more South Carolina Boating information:
The Handbook of South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities
South Carolina Online Boating Safety Course and Exam
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Boating in South Carolina
Check a Watercraft/Motor Status
Check the weather:
Lake Murray Weather Station
Mel Coker's Columbia Weather Page
Boating Safety:
Lake Murray Power Squadron Boat Smart Course
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign
Boating Safety - U.S. Coast Guard
FloatPlan Central
2007 Boating Accident Statistics (read this!)
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