Memorial Day weekend kicks off York County summer water season: Officials urge safety

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy water sports season on Lake Wylie and the Catawba River. York County’s water treasure attracts thousands of recreational boaters every year, so emergency officials are urging people to think safety first before getting into and on the water.

Boaters, users of personal watercraft, kayakers and anyone on the water should always remember that safety must be considered before and during any water recreation, said Chuck Haynes, York County emergency management director.

“We want people to enjoy our great water resources,” Haynes said. “But it only takes a second for a problem.”

In a nine-day stretch in June 2015, four people drowned in Lake Wylie. In recent years, the lake also has had incidents involving boats and personal watercraft, so enforcement is expected to be heavy all weekend. Lake enforcement teams from the York County Sheriff’s Office, Tega Cay Police Department, and S.C. Department of Natural resources will be patrolling Lake Wylie this weekend along with North Carolina police.

Good preparation and safety precautions are key to a safe day on the water. Basics include a personal flotation device for every person on board, proper safety and emergency equipment as required by law, and a biggie on a hot holiday – stay away from alcohol. Especially if operating a boat. Boating while impaired is against the law.

“Have a designated driver of the boat – just like an automobile,” said Lt. Kim Leverich of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources boater safety program.

Personal watercraft that have become so popular are illegal to operate after dark, officials said. Generally, boaters are asked to be cautious, give other vessels plenty of room and slow down.

The Catawba River south of the lake also is expected to be busy, said Trey Hovis, battalion chief for the Rock Hill Fire Department, and those boaters also should observe safety precaution including life jackets, helmets, and other basic safety precautions.

“The weather is a big one,” Hovis said. “Know what the weather is expected to do so you can be prepared.”

For a full list of South Carolina boating safety laws and tips go to the S.C. DNR website at dnr.sc.gov.

This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Memorial Day weekend kicks off York County summer water season: Officials urge safety."