Boat Checks Stepped Up On Lake Wylie For Holiday Weekend

Boaters across South Carolina had some extra safety checks even before their boats got wet.

That's why Kyle Greer didn't mind when South Carolina D.N.R officers asked to check his boat.

They scoured it from bow to stern looking for life jackets, checking storage areas, and making sure they had a working fire extinguisher.

Greer's boat was good to go. "Feel a lot safer going out there knowing we have everything that's gonna make them happy."

But not everyone did and boaters were sent home if they were missing safety gear or proper paperwork.

D.N.R. officer, Todd Campbell, says it's beginners that worry him most today.

"The person who keeps a boat on his deck or at his house and he comes out one or two days a year,” Campbell said.

It's those boaters that may not obey laws or even know if the laws have changed.

People like Will Barron say that's trouble on a day with more boat traffic than any other day of the year.

"Oh yeah, especially when you're dealing with children, and the waters are so crowded,” Barron said.

Though no one had to stop for a check, many did, feeling better about someone signing off on their day at the lake.