DNR offers free boat inspections at Alex Harvin Landing on July 3

MANNING - Making sure your boat is in tip-top shape before you take it out on the water is imperative.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is offering free quick but thorough safety inspections at boat landings across the state, including C. Alex Harvin Landing III at Lake Marion's Second Water. DNR officers will be at the landing from 10 a.m. until noon July 3.

The inspections will include safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. Boaters who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Boaters who are not in compliance will be given an opportunity to correct their problems before launching their boat.

SCDNR officers will also be available to answer boating questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.

Additional courtesy boat inspections will also be held later in July.

To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431.

For a copy of South Carolina's boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit the SCDNR Boater Education page at https://bit.ly/3a8nUr7.