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Boating Safety on Lake Keowee

The boating season of 2005 saw the deaths of 4 people on Lake Keowee in three separate incidents. As a result of this and a long commitment to boating safety, FOLKS held a Boating Safety Forum in the Fall 2005. The purpose was to have boating safety leaders share their knowledge and roles in enforcement, inspection and education with the boating public. The key points made by the leaders were the continued need for boater education (see classes below) and use of life saving vests. In ninety percent of the drownings, a life vest was not being worn.

Below you will find Links to Boating, Boat Training, and SC Boating Regulations:

• SC Dept of Natural Resources has responsibility for boating education & law enforcement. The following are their links:
  • The Handbook of SC Boating Laws
  • DNR offer inperson courses or video & internet tested course:
    Boating Ed., Classes Schedule, with links to Video Course, Internet Course
  • SC Boating Ownership- Fees, Forms, Registration, more
• Golden Corner Lakes Sail & Power Squadron provides the boating public with boat inspections, boating education courses and member activities.
  Their websites are:
  • Local Squadron: http://www.usps.org/localusps/goldencornerlakes/
  • National Organization: http://www.usps.org/
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization which receives some financial support from the Coast Guard. They provide classes on boating safety, skills & seamanship, & perform boat safety checks. They also provide on-the-water presence, although they are not empowered to enforce the law. They are active on Lake Hartwell and are seeking members to recreate a presence on Lake Keowee. Their websites are:
  • Local Flotilla: http://a0700205.uscgaux.info
  • National Organization: http://nws.cgaux.org/index.html
• SC Boating Regulations: related to Operating under the influence, Negligent operations, injury and associated penalties. Details

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