CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) –This holiday weekend, there will be extra law enforcement on the roads and on the water.
To have a safe holiday weekend out on the water, Charleston Police Department (CPD) say to remember the 6 key rules of boating.
- Always have a float plan (tell a family member or friend where you are.)
- Pack water, food and sunscreen.
- Always make sure all of your safety equipment is on board and working properly
- CPD encourages the use of lifejackets at all times when boating
- Have a VHF radio on board
- Never operate a boat while intoxicated.
Charleston Police say if you are caught operating a boat while under the influence you will be charged.
“Never ever operate a boat while intoxicated, that’s going to be extremely important especially when you’re underway. When you need to be using an emergency cutoff switch as well, you need to be coherent.” said Anthony Gibson, Charleston Police Public Information Officer. “It’s very easy to go out there and drink and have a good time but to operate the boat underway while intoxicated is not acceptable and it’s non-negotiable that you will be charged.”…